U.S. Figure Skating 2018-19 COMBINED REPORT OF ACTION ...€¦ · 3. ELECTED Patricia St. Peter as...

2018-19 Combined Report of Action #1 – 1

U.S. Figure Skating2018-19 COMBINED REPORT OF ACTION

Board of Directors — In Person/Conference Calls/Electronic Ballots — May 6, 2018, through May 1, 2019Governing Council — Colorado Springs, Colorado — May 3-4, 2019

ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRIOR TO THE 2019 GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING

MAY 6, 2018

1. APPROVED the president’s appointment of the following persons as members of the 2018-19 Audit Committee:• Kristin Arneson Cutler• Winston Burbank• Sharon Watson• Jenna Longo (athlete)• Troy Goldstein (ex officio)

Note: Audit Committee selects its chair.

2. APPROVED the president’s appointment of the following persons as members of the 2018-19 Compensation Committee:• Lainie DeMore (chair)• Heather Nemier• Colin McManus (athlete)• Troy Goldstein (ex officio)

3. ELECTED Patricia St. Peter as an Honorary Member of the U.S. Figure Skating Board of Directors per Article VIII, Section 5, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.

4. APPROVED Mary Louise Wright as an Honorary National Judge per the recommendation of the Judges Committee chair.

MAY 29, 2018

5. APPROVED a final sanction for the 2018 U.S. Collegiate Championships; Aug. 2-4, 2018; Adrian, Mich.; Adrian College.

JUNE 16, 2018

6. APPROVED the updated U.S. Figure Skating Travel and Expense Policy.

7. APPROVED the nomination of Jenna Longo to serve on the U.S. Figure Skating Foundation Board of Trustees.

8. APPROVED the Betty Stark Trophy to be awarded annually to the novice ladies champion at the South Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships.

AUGUST 13, 2018

9. APPROVED the selection procedures for the 2019 World Figure Skating Team, 2019 Four Continents Team and 2019 World Junior Figure Skating Team.


10. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rule 6451 (page 202, Rulebook) as follows:

6541 Elements for the Championship Adult Silver and Adult Silver Free Skate and Free Skate TestCHAMPIONSHIP ADULT SILVER AND ADULT SILVER WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE

& TEST 2:10 maximum time

Note: The following requirements are valid beginning Sept. 2, 2018.PROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following elements

in any order.Test: Must follow competition requirements, in addition to the minimum requirements below.

JUMPS Maximum of five jump elements •Up to two jump elements may be jump combina-

tions or jump sequences •One jump combination may contain three jumps,

and the other may contain only two jumps •A jump sequence is any listed jump immediately

followed by an Axel-type jump. •Non-listed jumps of not more than one revolu-

tion performed as part of connecting footwork preceding single jumps are permitted

•Each jump may be repeated only once and only in combination or sequence

•All single jumps, including single Axel, are permitted

•No double or triple jumps are permitted

Five jump elements, which must include: •Three different single jumps, two of which

must be chosen from single loop, single flip, single Lutz, or single Axel*

•One two-jump or three-jump combination including two single jumps

•One jump sequence or additional jump com-bination consisting of jumps of one-half waltz jumps or jumps of one full revolution.

*Required jumps may be performed as solo jumps, or as part of the permitted jump combinations and sequences

Implementation date: Sept. 2, 2018


7541 Elements for the Adult Silver Pairs Free Skate and Free Skate TestADULT SILVER PAIRS WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE & TEST

2:50 maximum timePROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following

elements in any orderEffective beginning September 2, 2018 - Test: Must contain the following elements in any order

JUMP COMBINA-TION/ SEQUENCE

Maximum of one jump combination or jump sequence •Single jumps only •Maximum of two jumps in combination •A jump sequence is any listed jump immediately

followed by an Axel-type jump.

One jump combination or sequence (half and consisting of two single jumps*)

*Single Axels are permitted. No multi-rotation jumps (in combination, sequence, solo jump or throw jump)




7551 Elements for the Adult Bronze Pairs Free Skate and Free Skate TestADULT BRONZE PAIRS WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE & TEST

2:30 maximum timePROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following

elements in any orderEffective beginning September 2, 2018 - Test: Must contain the following elements in any order

JUMP COMBINA-TION/ SEQUENCE

Maximum of one jump combination or jump sequence (single jumps only)•No single Axel, double or triple jumps are per-

mitted•Maximum of two jumps in combination •A jump sequence is any listed jump immediately

followed by an Axel-type (waltz) jump.

One jump combination or sequence of jumps (half consisting of a waltz jump and a single jump or two single jumps*)

*No single Axels or multi-rotation jumps (in combination, sequence, solo jump or throw jump)


13. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend rule 1403 (page 124, Rulebook) as follows:

1403 Allowance of a Delayed Start or Restart – Singles/Pairs/DanceA. If the tempo or quality of the music is deficient, the competitor(s) must stop skating and notify the event referee.

may restart the program from the beginning if the competitor(s) reports to No restart may be made if the com-petitor fails to inform the event referee within 30 20 seconds after the start. If the competitor(s) reports to the referee more than 20 seconds after the start, the competitor(s) will resume the program at the point of interruption or, if the interruption occurred at the entrance to or during an element, at the point immediately preceding this element. If the interruption happens after the 30 second mark, the performance will continue from the point of interruption. If for any reason there is an interruption or stop in the music, the competitor must stop skating when they becomes aware of the problem or at the acoustic signal of the event referee, whichever is earlier. Back-up music must be readily available at rinkside. No deduction will be made by the event referee or judges.

Implementation date: Aug. 20, 2018

14. APPROVED – Pairs CommitteeAmend rule 7461 (page 229, Rulebook) as follows:

7461 Elements for the Pre-Juvenile Pairs Free Skate and Free Skate TestPROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following

elements in any orderTest: Must contain the following elements in any order

JUMP COMBINATION/ SEQUENCE

One jump combination or jump sequence• Jump combination not permitted• Maximum of two jumps in the jump

combination or sequence• A jump sequence is any listed jump

immediately followed by an Axel-type jump.• Single jumps only

One jump combination or jump sequence• Maximum of two jumps in combination • A jump sequence is any listed jump

immediately followed by an Axel-type jump.

• Single jumps only


15. APPROVED – Pairs CommitteeAmend Pairs Test Qualifications for Competitions (pages 223-229, Rulebook) as follows:

7420 Junior PairsA. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the junior moves in the field test or higher and the junior pair test (see note).Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the senior pair test and still remain eligible to compete at the junior level, provided that neither the partners has have not competed at the senior pair level in a qualifying competition as a team. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the junior pair level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the senior pair test was passed.


7430 Novice PairsA. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the novice moves in the field test or higher and the novice pair test (see note).Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the junior pair test and still remain eligible to compete at the novice level, provided that neither the partners has have not competed at the junior pair level in a qualifying competition as a team. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the novice pair level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the junior pair test was passed.

7440 Intermediate PairsA. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the intermediate moves in the field test or higher and the intermediate pair test (see note).Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the novice pair test and still remain eligible to compete at the intermediate level, provided that neither the partners has have not competed at the novice pair level in a qualifying competition as a team. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the intermediate pair level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the novice pair test was passed.

7450 Juvenile PairsA. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the juvenile moves in the field test or higher and the juvenile pair test (see note).Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the intermediate pair test and still remain eligible to compete at the juvenile level, provided that neither the partners has have not competed at the intermediate pair level in a qualifying competition as a team. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the juvenile pair level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the intermediate pair test was passed.

7460 Pre-Juvenile PairsNote: Pre-juvenile pairs is considered a nonqualifying event and is held at regional championships only at the discretion of the local organizing committee.A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the pre-juvenile pair and pre-juvenile moves in the field test (see note).Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the juvenile pair test and still remain eligible to compete at the pre-juvenile level, provided that neither the partners has have not competed at the juvenile pair level in a qualifying competition as a team. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the pre-juvenile pair level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the juvenile pair test was passed.


16. APPROVED the president’s appointment of Alan Wolf as a U.S. Figure Skating representative to the Board of the U.S. Ice Rink Association for a term of three years, ending September 2021.

AUGUST 28, 2018

17. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend rule 2242 (B) (page 135, Rulebook) as follows:

2242 Non-U.S. citizens who are members in good standing of U.S. Figure Skating and have represented a foreign fed-eration at any level of skating competition will apply to the chair of the Competitions Committee by submitting a “Non-U.S. Citizen Application to Compete”. This form is available online at usfigureskating.org. A. Singles skaters must have resided in the United States and cannot have competed for a foreign federation for one

year preceding the date of the first competition the skater wishes to enter. B. In the case of pair or ice dance couples, one partner of the couple must be a citizen of the United States or have

resided in the United States for at least one year.1. Siblings who are skating together as a couple, both of whom are under age 18, are excluded from the require-

ment that one partner be a U.S. citizen or have resided in the United States for at least one year as long as all other requirements of rules 2240 through 2247 are met.


C. A non-U.S. citizen may compete for a U.S. synchronized skating team provided that: 1. The skater has not represented a foreign federation in the course of the same membership year (July 1 through

June 30); 2. At least 75 percent of the team members are citizens of the United States.


SEPTEMBER 10, 2018

18. APPROVED the selection procedures for the 2019 World Synchronized Skating Team and the 2019 World Junior Synchronized Skating Team.

OCTOBER 8, 2018

19. APPROVED the updated U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Program Handbook as amended.

20. APPROVED Greensboro, North Carolina, to be the host city of the 2020 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, pending the execution of a signed host agreement within 60 days.

NOVEMBER 10, 2018

21. APPROVED the guidelines for the Nominating Committee.

22. APPROVED – Membership Leadership GroupAmend rules MR 2.01 and PDCR 2.01 below to add an Adaptive Skating Subcommittee to the Membership Committee and remove it as a subcommittee from the Programs & New Program Development Committee. (Note: the rules below are not in the 2018-19 rulebook. They were approved by the 2018 Governing Council with an implementation date of May 2019 and can be found in the 2017-18 Combined Report of Action):

Membership CommitteeMR 2.00 OrganizationMR 2.01 The Membership Committee will consist of the chair, three sectional vice chairs (one from each section), a

national vice chair for sanctions and eligibility, and other such members as are necessary to carry out the work of the committee, and the following subcommittees:A. Learn to Skate USA, andB. ParentsC. Adaptive Skating

MR 2.02 Each subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair and such other members as are necessary to carry out the work of the committee.

Programs & New Program Development CommitteePDCR 2.00 OrganizationPDCR 2.01 The Programs & New Program Development Committee will consist of a chair and the following

subcommittees:A. Adaptive Skating,BA. Collegiate Skating,CB. High School Programs,DC. Program Innovation,ED. Showcase,FE. Solo Dance,GF. State Games, andHG. Theatre On Ice

Implementation date: May 2019


23. APPROVED – Singles, Pairs, Dance and Synchronized Skating Leadership Groups Amend rules DCR 2.02, PDCR 2.02, SICR 2.02, and SYSCR 2.02 to include a member who represents the Officials Training Committee, as indicated below (Note: the rules below are not in the 2018-19 rulebook. They were approved by the 2018 Governing Council with an implementation date of May 2019 and can be found in the 2017-18 Combined Report of Action):

Dance Development & Technical CommitteeDCR 2.00 OrganizationDCR 2.01 The Dance Development & Technical Committee will consist of a chair, a national vice chair for Development

and a national vice chair for Technical.DCR 2.02 The other members of the Dance Development & Technical Committee will include a coach, a judge, a

technical panel representative, an international representative, a representative from the Officials Training Committee, at least four additional members and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation, in accordance with Article XVIII of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.

Pairs Development & Technical CommitteePCR 2.00 OrganizationPCR 2.01 The Pairs Development & Technical Committee will consist of a chair, a national vice chair for Development

and a national vice chair for Technical.PCR 2.02 The other members of the Pairs Development & Technical Committee will include a coach, a judge, a


Singles Development & Technical CommitteeSICR 2.00 OrganizationSICR 2.01 The Singles Development & Technical Committee will consist of a chair, a national vice chair for Development

and a national vice chair for Technical.SICR 2.02 The other members of the Singles Development & Technical Committee will include a coach, a judge, a


Synchronized Skating Development & Technical CommitteeSYSCR 2.00 OrganizationSYSCR 2.01 The Synchronized Development & Technical Committee will consist of a chair, a national vice chair for

Development and a national vice chair for Technical.SYSCR 2.02 The other members of the Synchronized Skating Development & Technical Committee will include a coach,

a judge, a technical panel representative, an international representative, a representative from the Officials Training Committee, at least four additional members and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation, in accordance with Article XVIII of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.


24. APPROVED – Officials Leadership GroupsAmend the organization and responsibility of the Domestic Selections Committee that were passed by the 2018 Gov-erning Council, as indicated below (Note: the rules below are not in the 2018-19 rulebook. They were approved by the 2018 Governing Council with an implementation date of May 2019 and can be found in the 2017-18 Combined Report of Action):

Domestic Selections CommitteeDSCR 1.00 AuthorityDSCR 1.01 The Domestic Selections Committee is a permanent committee pursuant to Article XVI, Section 1, of the U.S.

Figure Skating bylaws.DSCR 2.00 OrganizationDSCR 2.01 The Domestic Selections Committee will consist of a chair, three sectional vice chairs for singles/pairs/dance

competitions and three sectional vice chairs for synchronized skating competitions and the following subcommittees:A. Accountants and Technical Accountants,B. Announcers and Music Officials,C. Ice Technicians


A. Event Management;DB. Judges,E. Referees, andFC. Technical Panel Officials.

DSCR 2.02 The Event Management Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair; four vice chairs, one each for referees, accountants, technical accountants and music/announcing; three members, one each representing singles/pairs referees, dance referees and synchronized referees; three sectional vice chairs for accounting; and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

DSCR 2.023 The Judges Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, three sectional vice chairs for ice dance, three sectional vice chairs for singles/pairs, three sectional vice chairs for synchronized skating and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

DSCR 2.034 The Technical Panel Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, three sectional vice chairs for singles; one vice chair each for ice dance, pairs and synchronized skating; one vice chair for singles/pairs/dance data; one vice chair for synchronized data; and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

DSCR 2.04 The Accountants and Technical Accountants, Announcers and Music Officials, Ice Technicians and Referees Subcommittees will consist of a national vice chair, three sectional vice chairs, two athlete members and up to two additional members, who may also be athlete members.

DSCR 2.05 The immediate past chair of the Domestic Selections Committee or their designated representative will be an ex-officio member.

DSCR 2.06 Athlete members may not be competing in the current season or have competed during the immediate prior season.

DSCR 2.07 The vice chair for ice technicians will be recommended by the U.S. Ice Rink Association and approved by the chair of the Domestic Selections Committee.

DSCR 3.00 ResponsibilityDSCR 3.01 The Domestic Selections Committee is responsible for:

A. The selection of officials for all qualifying competitions and U.S. Championships (figure skating, synchronized skat-ing, adult and collegiate) within the maximum number set by the chair of the Competitions Committee (see rule CCR 3.05). All selected officials must meet the applicable requirements specified in rules 2100-2134.

B. Final approval of officials’ selections made by clubs hosting National Qualifying Series events.C. Giving due consideration to the needs and financial limitations of the competition as well as the desirability of

geographical representation and other relevant criteria when selecting officials, in addition to consideration for officials obtaining adequate experience and activity for maintaining appointments and advancement.

DSCR 3.02 The Ice Technicians subcommittee is responsible for the selection of qualified ice technicians for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, the Sectional Synchronized Skating Championships, Skate America and any additional ISU events awarded to U.S. Figure Skating.A. The national vice chair of ice technicians will work with the appropriate headquarters staff and the U.S. Ice Rinks

Association to ensure the ice technicians assigned to events hold the appropriate certifications.


25. APPROVED – Officials Leadership GroupsAmend the names, organization and responsibility of the Officials Recruitment and Training Committee and the Do-mestic Officials Committee that were passed by the 2018 Governing Council, as indicated below (Note: the rules below are not in the 2018-19 rulebook. They were approved by the 2018 Governing Council with an implementation date of May 2019 and can be found in the 2017-18 Combined Report of Action):

Officials Recruitment and Training CommitteeOTCR 1.00 AuthorityOTCR 1.01 The Officials Recruitment and Training Committee is a permanent committee pursuant to Article XVI,

Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.OTCR 2.00 OrganizationOTCR 2.01 The Officials Recruitment and Training Committee will consist of a chair and the following subcommittees:

A. Accountants and Technical AccountantsB. Announcers and Music Officials,C. Judges,D. Referees, andE. Technical Panel Officials;

OTCR 2.02 The Accountants and Technical Accountants, Announcers and Music Officials, and Referees Subcommittees will consist of a national vice chair, three sectional vice chairs, two athlete members and up to two additional members, who may also be athlete members.


OTCR 2.03 The Judges Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, vice chairs for ice dance, singles/pairs and synchronized skating, in addition to the national vice chair of the Judges Subcommittee on the Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management Committee; and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

OTCR 2.04 The Technical Panel Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, one vice chair each for ice dance, pairs, singles and synchronized skating; one vice chair each for singles/pairs/dance data and synchronized data, the national vice chair of the Technical Panel Subcommittee on the Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management Committee; and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

OTCR 2.05 The immediate past chair of the Officials Recruitment and Training Committee or their designated representative will be an ex-officio member.

OTCR 2.06 The chair of the Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management Committee will be an ex-officio member.OTCR 3.00 ResponsibilityOTCR 3.01 The Officials Recruitment and Training Committee is responsible for recruiting enough officials to staff U.S.

Figure Skating competitions and test sessions in all positions and providing educational programs and training tools to ensure all certified officials are qualified to serve. To meet these responsibilities, the Officials Recruitment and Training Committee will develop, maintain and execute:A. Recruitment programs for officials;BA. Training programs for new officials that prepare them to test and be promoted;CB. Continuing education programs for officials; DC. Oversight (development, administration and grading) of the officials’ exams; andED. Dissemination of information related to officials training opportunities.

OTCR 3.02 The Officials Recruitment and Training Committee is responsible for distributing information on applicable ISU and U.S. Figure Skating rule changes and clarifications to applicable officials.

Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management CommitteeDOCR 1.00 AuthorityDOCR 1.01 The Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management Committee is a permanent committee pursuant to

Article XVI, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.DOCR 2.00 OrganizationDOCR 2.01 The Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management Committee will consist of a chair and the following

subcommittees:A. Accountants and Technical Accountants, Development and Assessment;B. Announcers and Music Officials, Event Management;C. Judges;D. Referees Recruitment; andE. Technical Panel Officials.

DOCR 2.02 The Accountants and Technical Accountants, Announcers and Music Officials, and Referees Subcommittees will each consist of a national vice chair, three sectional vice chairs, two athlete members and up to two additional members, who may also be athlete members.

DOCR 2.02 The Development and Assessment Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, a vice chair for judges, and three representatives, one each for singles/pairs, dance and synchronized skating; a vice-chair for technical panel officials, with five representatives, one each for singles, pairs, dance, synchronized skating and data; a vice chair for referees, a vice chair for accountants/technical accountants, a vice-chair for music/announcing, an ombudsman and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

DOCR 2.03 The Event Management Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, five vice chairs, one each for referees, accountants, technical accountants, music and announcing; three sectional vice chairs for accounting, three sectional vice chairs for referees and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

DOCR 2.034 The Judges Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, three sectional vice chairs and nine regional vice chairs for ice dance judges; three sectional vice chairs and nine regional vice chairs for singles/pairs judges; three sectional vice chairs for synchronized skating judges; one vice chair for theatrical skating judges; the national vice chair of the Judges Subcommittee on the Officials Recruitment and Training Committee; and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

DOCR 2.05 The Recruitment Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, and six vice chairs, one each for singles, pairs, dance, synchronized skating, accountants/technical accountants and music/announcing, additional members as necessary for their skill set and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.

DOCR 2.036 The Technical Panel Officials Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, six discipline vice chairs – one each for singles, pairs, dance, synchronized skating, singles/pairs/dance data operators and synchronized skating data operators; the national vice chair of the Technical Panel Subcommittee on the Officials Recruitment and Training Committee; and athlete members as necessary to meet the requirements for athlete representation.


DOCR 2.067 The immediate past chair of the Domestic Officials Committee or their designated representative will be an ex-officio member

DOCR 2.078 The chair of the Officials Recruitment and Training Committee will be an ex-officio memberDOCR 2.089 The chair of the International Officials Committee will be an ex-officio memberDOCR 3.00 ResponsibilityDOCR 3.01 The Domestic Officials Management and Recruitment Committee is responsible for:

A. The evaluation, appointment, promotion, suspension, demotion, removal, conduct, qualification and performance of all accountants, technical accountants, announcers, music officials, judges, referees and technical panel officials.

B. The oversight of rules relating to officials.C. Establishing minimum standards and qualifications to serve as an official for sanctioned competitions and test

sessions conducted by U.S. Figure Skating in all skating disciplines.D. Establishing and administering conflict of interest regulations governing service of officials in sanctioned

competitions conducted by U.S. Figure Skating.E. Reviewing the performance of officials at all qualifying competitions, and providing feedback to the individual

officials, Domestic Selections, International Selections, International Officials and Officials Recruitment and Training Committees as appropriate.

DOCR 3.02 The subcommittees for Event Management, Judges and Technical Panel will be responsible for DOCR 3.01 (A) through (E), with regards to the official type they oversee.

DOCR 3.03 Domestic Officials Development and Assessment SubcommitteeThe responsibilities of the Domestic Officials Development and Assessment Subcommittee are to: A. Support all U.S. Figure Skating officials in successfully serving.B. Implement and oversee a process for review of and feedback to officials that is honest, objective, understandable,

and for judges, and based on statistical information.C. Develop review panels for performance evaluation, when necessary. D. Provide recommendations for performance improvement and support officials in obtaining the recommended

education or completing a specific performance plan.E. Initiate a review/feedback process based on a) an individual officials’ request for one, b) a referee’s report c) a

technical panel captain’s report or d) a mentor or JET request.F. Serve as a place that officials can go with questions, complaints or to seek honest feedback on their appointment

progress and/or assignments.G. Support the appropriate subcommittees in this committee in providing performance reviews on officials at qualifying

competitions to Domestic Selections, International Officials and Officials Training Committees.H. Handle complaints against officials, as determined by the chair.

DOCR 3.04 Domestic Officials Recruitment SubcommitteeThe responsibilities of the Domestic Officials Recruitment Subcommittee are: A. Recruit enough officials to staff U.S. Figure Skating competitions and test sessions in all positions.B. Develop and implement a welcoming on-boarding process for interested officials.C. Manage a list of prospective officials. Ensure those interested go through the on-boarding process and receive the

tools they need to get started.D. Coordinate with the appropriate subcommittees to assign mentors to prospective officials to ensure they become

established on the path to earn their first appointment.E. Develop and implement programs for recruiting new officials in all roles.


26. APPROVED – International Leadership GroupsAmend rule ISUR 1.00 as follows (Note: the version of ISUR 1.00 below is not in the 2018-19 rulebook. It was approved by the 2018 Governing Council with an implementation date of May 2019 and can be found in the 2017-18 Combined Report of Action):

ISUR 1.00 The ISU representative is a member appointed by the president. The president may not serve as the ISU representative while concurrently serving as the president of U.S. Figure Skating.A. The ISU representative will serve as the coordinator of the committees under Group 5 / the International Group as

specified in Article XVI, Section 2.B. The ISU representative will act as a member of the U.S. Figure Skating delegation to the ISU Congress and will attend

meetings of the Grand Prix Organizers and any other international meetings or functions and events as determined appropriate by the president.

C. The ISU representative must be a current or former ISU official or ISU office holder with knowledge of the ISU Constitution, General and Special Regulations and Technical Rules, and expertise in international relations as they relate to U.S. Figure Skating, the ISU and its member federations.


D. The ISU representative will make strategic recommendations to the Athlete Services Group coordinator.


27. APPROVED – International Leadership GroupsAmend rules ICR 2.03 (D), (F), (G) and (H), ICR 3.01 (A) and (C) and ICR 3.02 as follows (Note: the version of the rules below is not in the 2018-19 rulebook. It is the version approved by the 2018 Governing Council with an implementation date of May 2019 and can be found in the 2017-18 Combined Report of Action):

International CommitteeICR 2.03 Each Subcommittee representing a discipline (ice dance, pairs, singles and synchronized skating) will have the

following members (12 9):A. The chair of the IC;B. The immediate past chair of the IC;C. One discipline-specific vice chair;D. Two discipline-specific athlete representatives, one of whom has competed in an ISU Championship and one of

whom is a member of the Board of Directors representing that discipline.1. Athlete representatives, not also on the Board of Directors, must not compete in any qualifying or international

competitions in the season in which they serve on the IC and must not have competed in any qualifying or international competitions in the season immediately prior to serving on the IC.

E. One discipline-specific ISU officialF. Three Two discipline-specific sectional representatives (one from each section)G. The Athlete Services Group CoordinatorH. The chair of the Athlete Advisory CommitteeIG. The ISU representative

ICR 2.04 The International Coaches Subcommittee will consist of a vice chair, in addition to one to three coaches per discipline (ice dance, pairs, singles, synchronized skating) who have had past or current experience coaching at an international competition and necessary athletes.

ICR 3.00 ResponsibilityICR 3.01 International Committee

A. The mission of the International Committee (IC), in partnership with the Athlete High Performance Department, is to select the U.S. Figure Skating Team and U.S. Synchronized Skating Team. that wins the maximum number of international medals and berths possible by strategically providing experience and exposure to qualified members of the U.S. Figure Skating Team and U.S. Synchronized Skating Team, and by identifying and supporting the best qualified future prospects to develop and achieve the ultimate goal of Olympic and World podium results. The goals of the International Committee are:1. To select athletes and teams that win the maximum number of medals at ISU competitions in the current season.2. For Team USA to earn the maximum number of berths at ISU championship events.3. To identify the best qualified future prospects for achieving podium results at World Championships and Olym-

pic Winter Games and support them by strategically providing international experience.B. To accomplish this mission, the IC exercises responsibilities described below, with other responsibilities delegated

to the International Committee Management Subcommittee (ICMS), as described in ICR 3.02.C. The responsibilities of the IC, except for the International Coaches Subcommittee, are:

1. To approve criteria proposed and used to select international competitions in singles, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating.

2. To recommend international competitions, based on the approved criteria. 32. To approve criteria proposed and used to select and enter member athletes in all international competitions, ISU

championships, and the Olympic Winter Games.43. To select (i) athletes and teams to compete in all international competitions and ISU championships and (ii)

athletes for nomination to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) for entry to compete in the Olympic Winter Games.a. In person meetings and/or conference calls will be conducted for each discipline to determine the selections.b. The IC chair and/or the appropriate discipline-specific vice chair will be responsible for outlining and providing

to the respective subcommittees an explanation of the slate of athletes/teams selected for nomination for each discipline and competition, if needed.

5. To issue sanctions for member athletes to participate in skating activities in foreign countries (excluding Canada). 64. Any related or other responsibilities identified in ICR 3.03-3.06.

ICR 3.02 International Committee Management SubcommitteeThe responsibilities of the International Committee Management Subcommittee (ICMS) are:A. To provide final approval on selection procedures, competition readiness requirements and which international


competitions will be attended by the U.S. Figure Skating Team and U.S. Synchronized Skating Team (sometimes referred to as Team USA).

B. To approve the criteria for receiving Elite Athlete Health Insurance with final approval given by the appropriate headquarters staff.

C. To govern the athletes selected and entered per ICR 3.01 (C)(4) and to withhold or withdraw selection of an athlete or team from any assignment:1. For failure to abide by the applicable rules, policies and procedures of U.S. Figure Skating and, if applicable, the

USOC;2. For conduct in violation of GR 1.01, GR 1.02 or GR 1.03, or for any false statements or misrepresentations on

documentation, contracts and/or agreements; and/or3. For acting in a manner not deemed appropriate for a member of the U.S. Figure Skating Team or U.S. Synchronized

Skating Team.D. To provide final approval for the disbursement of the funds from the U.S. Figure Skating Athlete Support Program

(ASUPP).E. To issue sanctions for member athletes to participate in skating activities in foreign countries (excluding Canada).F. To recommend international competitions, based on the approved criteria determined by the discipline groups in ICR

3.01 (C).EG. Any related or other responsibilities identified in ICR 3.03-3.06.


28. APPROVED – International Leadership GroupsReplace the version of the committee authority, organization and responsibility for the International Officials and Interna-tional Selections Committee passed at the 2018 Governing Council with the version below. (Note: the original version of the rules below is not in the 2018-19 rulebook. It is the version approved by the 2018 Governing Council with an implemen-tation date of May 2019 and can be found in the 2017-18 Combined Report of Action):

International Officials CommitteeIOCR 1.00 AuthorityIOCR 1.01 The International Officials Committee is a permanent committee pursuant to Article XVI, Section 1, of the

U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.IOCR 2.00 OrganizationIOCR 2.01 The International Officials Committee will consist of a chair, and the following subcommittees:

A. International Officials ManagementB. International Officials Selections

IOCR 2.02 The International Officials Management Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, the ISU representative, two members representing the Domestic Officials Committee, one for judges/referees and one for technical panel; the national vice chair of the International Selections Subcommittee, four ISU officials, each representing singles, pairs, dance and synchronized skating; and three athlete members.

IOCR 2.03 The International Selections Subcommittee will consist of a national vice chair, the ISU representative, a vice chair for team leaders, a vice chair for judges, four ISU officials, each representing singles, pairs, dance and synchronized skating; the national vice chair of the International Officials Management Subcommittee and four athletes, each representing singles, pairs, dance and synchronized skating.

IOCR 3.00 ResponsibilityIOCR 3.01 The International Officials Committee Chair will:

A. Serve as a voting member on both the International Officials Management Subcommittee and International Selections Subcommittee.

B. Oversee the officials’ timeline within the international calendar, in collaboration with the International Committee and High Performance Department.

C. In collaboration with the International Committee and High Performance Department, contribute annually to creating an international strategy with regards to officials.

D. Establish a pool of international judges to be used as monitors, including selections criteria, education and proce-dures.

E. Manage evaluations of judges who are monitoring athletes.F. Manage constructive reports submitted to the High Performance Department on athlete performance.

IOCR 3.02 The International Officials Management Subcommittee will oversee all aspects of managing U.S. Figure Skating’s international officials pool, with regards to training, promotion, demotion and removals. A. Develop, maintain and periodically review a long-range plan to determine the optimal number of international offi-

cials necessary to achieve strategic goals developed in IOC 3.01 (B).


B. Develop and maintain procedures and policies for how officials will be selected for nomination to the Board of Di-rectors to test for an international appointment.

C. Nominate officials to the Board of Directors for international judge, referee and technical panel appointments as appropriate;

D. Nominate officials to the Board of Directors to take the examination for ISU judge, referee and technical panel pro-motions as appropriate;

E. Collaborate with the International Selections Subcommittee and the Domestic Selections Committee to ensure offi-cials’ activity meets advancement goals and ISU requirements to maintain appointments;

F. Review annually the performance of all U.S. Figure Skating international officials, address concerns as needed and present recommendations to the Board of Directors for removal of officials, if necessary.

G. Oversee training and compliance of international officials with regards to seminars, education, etc. H. Recommend former international officials who have resigned or retired for honorary designation.

IOCR 3.03 The International Selections Subcommittee will: A. Select judges and team leaders for all international competitions and ISU Championships as requested by the Inter-

national Committee in accordance with regulations of the ISU and bylaws of U.S. Figure Skating. B. Select judges for the Olympic Winter Games in accordance with the regulations of the ISU, the U.S. Olympic Com-

mittee (USOC), and the bylaws and rules of U.S. Figure Skating.C. Select team managers for nomination to the Board of Directors and the USOC for entry into the Olympic Winter

Games.D. Create procedures and criteria for the identification of and identify new team leaders as needed.


29. APPROVED the athlete selection procedures for the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Winter Games.

30. APPROVED – Membership CommitteeAdd new rule MR 6.12 (page 82, Rulebook) as follows:

MR 6.00 Obligations of Full, Interim and Provisional Member Clubs MR 6.12 Appoint a SafeSport compliance chair who will ensure that the club is in compliance with current SafeSport

policies and procedures. If a club fails to appoint a SafeSport compliance chair, the club president automatically assumes this role.

MR 6.123 Failure of a member club to comply with any of the membership rules may constitute the basis for appropriate action by the Membership Committee to place such club on inactive or suspended status as defined in MR 2.04 (D) or (E).

Implementation date: Dec. 1, 2018

31. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAdd new rule TMR 6.03 (page 104, Rulebook) to create the following new trophy:

TMR 6.03 Davis & White Global Achievement Award. A. Awarded annually to a couple who places in the top four of the championship ice dance event at the U.S. Figure

Skating Championships and earns the highest ranking points based on the following formula: 1. The couples will be awarded points for their placements at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The points

awarded will equal the ISU Season’s World Ranking Points for an equivalent placement at the Grand Prix Final.2. The points earned in paragraph 1 will be added to each couple’s ISU Season’s World Ranking Points as of the

first day of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.3. The points earned in paragraphs 1 and 2 will be added to each couple’s ISU Points from the most recent World

Figure Skating Championships.4. The team with the highest total of ranking points from paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above will be awarded the trophy.

B. The trophy will be presented during the exhibition of champions so as not to compete with the championship awards.C. The Davis & White Global Achievement Award will reside at the U.S. Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame,

and the winners’ names will be engraved and added to the base each year. A token award will be given to each skater from the couple who earns the trophy.

Implementation date: 2019 Geico U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Note: Further changes to this new rule were approved at Governing Council. Please see Item 312.


32. APPROVED a final sanction for the 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships; Feb. 28 through March 2, 2019, Plymouth, Mich.; Detroit Metro Skating Council.

33. APPROVED a final sanction for the 2019 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships; April 2-6, 2019; Salt Lake City, Utah; Salt Lake Figure Skating.

34. APPROVED a provisional sanction for the 2020 U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships; April 14-18, 2020; Newark, Del.; University of Delaware FSC.

35. APPROVED – Judges CommitteeThe following national appointments:

• National Showcase Judges: Barry Doren, Grand Ledge, Mich.; Suzanne Ferguson, Mount Juliet, Tenn.; Devon Hensel, Westfield, Ind.

36. APPROVED – Technical Panel CommitteeThe following national appointments:

• National Pairs Technical Specialist and National Singles Technical Specialist: Jason Dungjen, Ortonville, Mich.

37. ACCEPTED – Competitions Committee and Judges CommitteeThe following resignations:

• Janet Gerhauser Carpenter, Minnetonka, Minn. (National Singles/Pairs Judge; Janet is maintaining her test judge appointments)

• Ann Greenthal, Wellesley, Mass. (National Singles/Pairs Judge and National Dance Judge)• Sharon Meyer, Denham Springs, La. (National Accountant)• Evelyn Minter, Waterbury Ctr, Vt. (National Synchronized Judge and National Theatre On Ice Judge)• Marie Pearce, Atlanta, Ga. (National Singles/Pairs, Synchronized, Showcase and Theatre On Ice Judge)

38. ACKNOWLEDGED – Competitions Committee and Judges CommitteeThe following vacated national appointments:

• Scott Cormier, Mansfield, Mass. (National Singles/Pairs Referee and National Singles/Pairs Judge) • Susan Johnson, Atlanta, Ga. (National Singles/Pairs Judge and National Synchronized Judge) – passed away in

January 2018. Was inadvertently left off the list for the May 2018 board meeting.

39. APPROVED – Judges CommitteeThe following honorary national appointments:

• Janet Gerhauser Carpenter, Minnetonka, Minn. – Honorary National Judge• Ann Greenthal, Wellesley, Mass. – Honorary National Judge• Susan Johnson, Atlanta, Ga. – Honorary National Judge• Marie Pearce, Atlanta, Ga. – Honorary National Judge

40. ACCEPTED the Audit Report as presented by Stockman Kast Ryan & Co. for the 2018 FY Financials through June 30, 2018.

DECEMBER 11, 2018

41. APPROVED the updates to the Strategic Plan for 2018-2022.

42. APPROVED – Synchronized Skating CommitteeAmend rule 9170 (D), Non-Permitted Elements, Features, Additional Features and Movements (page 300, Rulebook) to restrict teams from including stepping over clasped hands within their programs.

9170 Non-Permitted Elements, Features, Additional Features and MovementsWhen non-permitted elements, features, additional features/extra features or movements are included, a deduction will be made from the total score by the technical panel in an IJS event and by the judges in 6.0 events. D. Free Skate – All Levels Except Senior, Junior, Novice and Collegiate

9. Jumps through the point of intersection or stepping over clasped hands

Implementation date: Immediately upon approval of the Board of Directors (TN was posted Dec. 13)


43. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeThe following honorary national appointments:

• Harry Gleeson, N Ridgeville, Ohio – Honorary National Announcer• Phyllis Howard, Arlington, Va. – Honorary National Referee• John LeFevre, Colorado Springs, Colo. – Honorary National Referee• Franklin Nelson, Ambler, Pa. – Honorary National Referee• Ben Wade, Reno, Nev. – Honorary National Referee• Sharon Wiggins, Palm Beach, Fla. – Honorary National Referee

44. APPROVED – Judges CommitteeThe following honorary national appointments:

• Claire Ferguson, Jamestown, R.I. – Honorary National Judge• Shirley Hage, Marine on St. Croix, Minn. – Honorary National Judge• Phyllis Howard, Arlington, Va. – Honorary National Judge• John LeFevre, Colorado Springs, Colo. – Honorary National Judge• Franklin Nelson, Ambler, Pa. – Honorary National Judge• Ben Wade, Reno, Nev. – Honorary National Judge• Sharon Wiggins, Palm Beach, Fla. – Honorary National Judge

45. APPROVED Las Vegas (Orleans Arena) as the site of the 2019 Skate America international competition, Oct. 17-20, 2019, pending the execution of a host agreement by Jan. 15, 2019.

46. ACCEPTED the recommendation to grant two additional byes to the 2019 Geico U.S. Figure Skating Championships with the understanding that, going forward with the new qualifying structure, specific guidelines regarding byes will be written and disseminated.

DECEMBER 13, 2018

47. APPROVED President Anne Cammett’s appointment of Lynn Goldman to be the Competitions Committee chair for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

JANUARY 14, 2019

48. APPROVED the revised selection procedures for the 2019 World Junior Synchronized Skating Team.

49. APPROVED a provisional sanction for the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships; Feb. 25 through March 1, 2020; Providence, R.I.; Warwick Figure Skaters.

50. APPROVED a new trophy for the Championship Adult Silver Men’s champion at the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships as presented by Adult Skating Committee Chair Lori Fussell.

51. CONCURRED regarding the resolution of the Stipulation of a Grievance Matter from the chair of the Grievance Committee.

FEBRUARY 23, 2019

52. ADOPTED the updates to the Strategic Plan for 2018-2022.

53. APPROVED the new mission statement and SUPPORTED presenting the corresponding bylaw change to the 2019 Governing Council. (See Item 87, Exhibit A.)

Article IIObjectives

Mission: As the national governing body, the mission of the United States Figure Skating Association is to provide programs to encourage participation and achievement in the sport of figure skating on ice, and particularly: We create and cultivate opportunities for participation and achievement in figure skating.


54. SUPPORTED presenting the amendments to Article XVI, Sections 1 and 2, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws to the 2019 Governing Council. (See Item 99, Exhibit B.)

ARTICLE XVICommittees

Section 1 Permanent Committees. U.S. Figure Skating has the following permanent committees:1. Adult Skating 15. International Selections2. Athletes Advisory 156. Membership3. Audit 167. Memorial Fund4. Coaches 178. Officials Recruitment and Training5. Compensation 189. Pairs Development and Technical6. Competitions 1920. Programs and New Program Development7. Dance Development and Technical 201. Rules8. Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management 212. SafeSport9. Domestic Selections 223. Singles Development and Technical10. Ethics 234. Sports Sciences and Medicine11. Finance 245. Strategic Planning12. Grievance 256. Synchronized Development and Technical13. International 267. Tests14. International Officials

Section 2 Committee Groups. U.S. Figure Skating committees are organized into five committee groups:Group 1: Athlete Services: Athletes Advisory, Coaches, Dance Development and Technical, Memorial Fund, Pairs

Development and Technical, Singles Development and Technical, Sports Sciences and Medicine and Synchronized Development and Technical.

Group 2: Membership Development: Adult Skating, Membership, and Programs and New Program Development.Group 3: Technical and Officials: Competitions, Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management, Domestic

Selections, Officials Recruitment and Training, and Tests.Group 4: Administrative/Legal: Audit, Compensation, Ethics, Finance, Grievance, Rules, SafeSport, and Strategic

Planning.Group 5: International: International, and International Officials and International Selections.

Coordinators of Groups 1-4 are nominated by the Nominating Committee and presented to the Governing Council for election. The ISU representative will serve as coordinator of Group 5, while remaining an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.

55. APPROVED – International Leadership GroupsAmend rule ICR 2.02 (page 61, Rulebook) as follows:

ICR 2.02 The International Committee Management Subcommittee (ICMS) will consist of:A. The chair of the IC;B. The immediate past chair of the IC;

1. In the event the IC immediate past chair is unavailable to serve on the ICMS, the ICMS may fill that vacancy with another member of the IC.

C. The Athlete Services Group Coordinator;DC. The chair of the Athlete Advisory Committee;ED. The ISU Representative;FE. The vice chair of the International Coaches Subcommittee


56. APPROVED a final sanction for the 2019 U.S. Collegiate Championships; July 29 through Aug. 1, 2019; Aston, Pennsylvania; IceWorks SC

MARCH 11, 2019

57. APPROVED the 2019-20 final budget for presentation to the 2019 Governing Council


58. APPROVED – Competitions Committee The following national promotion:

• National Theatre On Ice Referee: Richard Perez, Mountain View, California

59. APPROVED a memorial resolution for Dr. Franklin Nelson, past president of U.S. Figure Skating who recently passed away.

60. APPROVED submitting the candidates recommended by the International Judges & Officials Committee to take the exam for new ice dance judge at the ISU Global Seminar in Frankfurt, Germany, in July 2019.

61. APPROVED submitting the candidates recommended by the International Judges & Officials Committee to take the exam for new international referee at the ISU Global Seminar in Frankfurt, Germany, in July 2019.

62. APPROVED submitting the candidates who need to attend the ISU Global Seminar in Frankfurt, Germany, in July 2019, for recertification.

63. APPROVED submitting the candidates recommended by the International Judges & Officials Committee to take the exam for promotion to ISU judge in the 2019-20 season.

64. APPROVED submitting the candidates recommended by the International Judges & Officials Committee to take the exam for new singles/pairs judge at the ISU Global Seminar in Frankfurt, Germany, in July 2019.

65. APPROVED submitting the candidates recommended by the International Judges & Officials Committee to take the exam for promotion to ISU referee at the ISU Global Seminar in Frankfurt, Germany, in July 2019.

APRIL 8, 2019

68. SUPPORTED presenting Exhibits B, D, E and F to the 2019 Governing Council.

MAY 1, 2019

69. APPROVED the updated U.S. Figure Skating SafeSport Program Handbook, pending final sign off by the Administrative/Legal Group coordinator, the SafeSport Committee chair and U.S. Figure Skating internal legal counsel.

70. APPROVED the following Required Minimum Technical Element Scores (combined short program/rhythm dance and free skate/free dance) to compete in the championship (senior) events at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in the 2019-20 season: 65.0 for ice dance, 68.0 for pairs, 75.0 for ladies and 92.0 for men.

71. APPROVED the establishment of the Kathy Slack Trophy for the Production Champions at National Showcase.

72. APPROVED the recommendation of the Competitions Committee chair for the entry fees for the 2020 Qualifying Season.

73. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeThe following national promotions:

• National Accountant: Veronica Nebb, Petaluma, Calif.• National Music Coordinator: Angie Peppers, Omaha, Neb.• National Singles/Pairs Referee: Brenda Kickertz, Rockford, Ill.; Ilana Prusock, New York, N.Y.• National Showcase Referee: Daren Patterson, Alcoa, Tenn.

74. APPROVED – Judges CommitteeThe following national promotions:

• National Dance Judge: Anne Marie Murphy, Sunfish Lake, Minn.• National Singles/Pairs Judge: Matthew O’Toole, New York, N.Y.• National Synchronized Judge: Deveny Deck, Mclean, Va.; Courtney Fecske, Buffalo Grove, Ill.; Rachael Naphtal,

Boston, Mass.; Elliot Schwartz, West Roxbury, Mass.


75. APPROVED – Technical Panel CommitteeThe following national promotions:

• National Dance Technical Controller: Kathaleen Cutone, Reading, Mass.; Julia Rey, Colleyville, Texas• National Singles Technical Controller: Kerry Jennings-Cooper, Alexandria, Va.• National Synchronized Technical Controller: Lauren O’Toole, New York, N.Y.• National Dance Technical Specialist: Colin McManus, Newark, Del.• National Pairs Technical Specialist: Serguei Zaitsev, Fishers, Ind.• National Singles Technical Specialist: Laura Patterson, Phoenix, Ariz.• National Synchronized Technical Specialist: Lauren Bracken, Valley Center, Calif.; Martha Buckley, Essex,

Mass.; Summer Nagy, Boston, Mass.• National Singles/Pairs/Dance Data Operator: Nicholas Bond, South Burlington, Vt.; Cassy Papajohn, Centennial,

Colo.• National Synchronized Data Operator: Kristin Abbott, Park Ridge, Ill.; Steven Hsu, Los Angeles, Calif.; Andrew

Lam, Ashburn, Va.; Cheryl Litman, Fairfax Station, Va.; Scheherezade Redmond, Oak Park, Mich.

76. ACCEPTED – Competitions Committee, Judges Committee and Technical Panel CommitteeThe following national resignations:

• Gloria Earnhardt, Scottsdale, Ariz. (National Accountant)• William Fitzpatrick, Bethlehem, Pa. (National Singles/Pairs Referee and National Singles/Pairs Judge; Bill is

retaining his test judge appointments)• Howard Whelan, Grass Valley, Calif. (National Music Coordinator)

77. ACKNOWLEDGED – Competitions Committee, Judges Committee and Technical Panel CommitteeThe following vacated national appointments:

• Beverly Davis, Franklin, Tenn. (National Synchronized Judge)• Daniel Heslin, Murrieta, Calif. (National Announcer)• Carolyn Pierce, Hyannis, Mass. (National Showcase and National Theatre On Ice Judge)• Steve Winkler, Palm Springs, Calif. (National Singles/Pairs Referee, National Singles/Pairs Judge, National Singles

Technical Controller and National Pairs Technical Controller)

78. APPROVED – Competitions Committee, Judges Committee and Technical Panel CommitteeThe following honorary national appointments:

• Beverly Davis, Franklin, Tenn. (Honorary National Judge)• Gloria Earnhardt, Scottsdale, Ariz. (Honorary National Accountant)• William Fitzpatrick, Bethlehem, Pa. (Honorary National Referee and Honorary National Judge)• Daniel Heslin, Murrieta, Calif. (Honorary National Announcer)• Howard Whelan, Grass Valley, Calif. (Honorary National Music Coordinator)• Steve Winkler, Palm Springs, Calif. (Honorary National Referee, Honorary National Judge and Honorary National

Technical Controller)

79. APPROVED the Rio in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the site for the 2020 Governing Council Meeting, April 29-May 2, 2020

ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNING COUNCIL — COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO — May 3-4, 2019

80. ADOPTED the convention standing rules.

81. ADOPTED the agenda for the Governing Council meeting.

82. APPROVED the report of the Minutes Committee of the May 2018 Governing Council meeting held May 4-5, 2018, in Orlando, Florida.

83. APPOINTED the new Minutes Committee for this 2019 Governing Council meeting of Kim Jan-Ai Ryden (chair), Lisa Erle (Rules Committee chair) and Jennifer Wester (athlete member).

84. ACCEPTED the audit report.


85. AWARDED provisional membership in U.S. Figure Skating for the following interim clubs: Annapolis SC Annapolis, MD Edges of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA Freedom FSC Randolph, NJ Hess FSC New Castle, PA SC of Ice Land Hamilton, NJ ION Figure Skating Club Leesburg, VA Laramie FSC Laramie, WY Michiana Ice FSC Notre Dame, IN Mitchell FSC Mitchell, SD Academy at Mitchell Johansson Method Revere, MA Sheridan FSC Sheridan, WY Thunderbirds FSC USAF Academy, CO Vegas Golden Knights Center of Excellence Las Vegas, NV Wheaton FSC Wheaton, MD

86. AWARDED full membership in U.S. Figure Skating for the following provisional clubs: Big Rapids FSC Big Rapids, MI Columbus Figure Skating Academy Columbus, GA Crystal Skating Academy Burton, MI Findlay Silver Blades FSC Findlay, OH Ice Line FSC West Chester, PA Livonia SC Livonia, MI Sioux Falls FSC Sioux Falls, SD Summit Skating, Inc. Breckenridge, CO

87. ADOPTED – Exhibit A – Board of DirectorsAmend Article II the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws (page 19, Rulebook) as follows:


Mission: As the national governing body, the mission of the United States Figure Skating Association is to provide programs to encourage participation and achievement in the sport of figure skating on ice, and particularly:We create and cultivate opportunities for participation and achievement in figure skating.

A. To We serve as the national governing body in the sport of figure skating on ice as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), and to serve as the United States member of the International Skating Union (ISU);

B. To We take all steps necessary to regulate and govern figure skating on ice throughout the United States, including the raising of funds to support activities of U.S. Figure Skating by dues, the sale of publications, the conduct of competitions, ice show assessments, sanction fees and any other lawful means, provided that none of the income of U.S. Figure Skating inures to the private profit of any of its members;

C. To We strive to provide a safe environment for its our members that is free of misconduct and harassment.D. To We define and maintain uniform standards of skating proficiency; E. To We prescribe rules for the holding of and eligibility for tests, competitions, exhibitions, ice shows and all other

figure skating activities. To We qualify and appoint judges, referees and other officials for all tests, competitions and other figure skating events;

F. To We encourage, guide and assist in the organization of local ice skating clubs, and the attaining of full participation in figure skating by individuals, groups, clubs, schools, colleges and universities throughout the United States;

G. To We organize and sponsor competitions and exhibitions for the purpose of stimulating interest in figure skating on the part of all persons. To We assist financially or otherwise, in accordance with the rules of U.S. Figure Skating, the participants traveling to and from and attending such competitions and exhibitions, who would otherwise be unable to participate therein;

H. To We encourage those persons who have demonstrated an ongoing interest in figure skating to continue their participation in figure skating, and where possible, to obtain a college or university education;

I. To We provide an equal opportunity to eligible athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators and officials to participate in eligible athletic competition without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. To We provide fair notice and an opportunity for a hearing to any eligible athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official before declaring such individual ineligible to participate;


J. To We select members of the Board of Directors and athlete representatives without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable;

K. To We submit to binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association in any controversy involving its recognition as a national governing body, as provided for in chapter 2205 and successor sections of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S.C. § 220501 et. seq., or involving the opportunity of any athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official to participate in athletic competition, as provided for in the bylaws of the USOC;

L. To We support, by contributions from U.S. Figure Skating and its Memorial Fund, other charitable and educational organizations which are themselves exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as from time to time amended; and

M. To We ensure that the foregoing objectives are within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as from time to time amended, and that the activities of U.S. Figure Skating, both direct and indirect, exclusively further these objectives.

Implementation date: May 6, 2019

88. ADOPTED – Exhibit B – Board of DirectorsAmend Article II, paragraph K, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws (page 19, Rulebook) as follows


K. We submit to binding arbitration in any controversy involving: (i) U.S. Figure Skating’s recognition as a National Governing Body, or (ii) the opportunity of any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official to participate in amateur athletic competition in figure skating, upon demand of the USOC or any aggrieved amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official, conducted in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association or as modified pursuant to the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act To submit to binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association in any controversy involving its recognition as a national governing body, as provided for in chapter 2205 and successor sections of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, 36 U.S.C. § 220501 et. seq., or involving the opportunity of any athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official to participate in athletic competition, as provided for in the bylaws of the USOC;

Note: The changes to Article II, paragraph K, in Exhibits A and B (Items 87 and 88) will be merged.


89. ADOPTED – Exhibit C – Board of DirectorsAmend Article XVI, Sections 1 and 2 of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws (page 29, Rulebook) as follows:

ARTICLE XVICommittees

Section 1 Permanent Committees. U.S. Figure Skating has the following permanent committees:1. Adult Skating 15. International Selections2. Athletes Advisory 156. Membership3. Audit 167. Memorial Fund4. Coaches 178. Officials Recruitment and Training5. Compensation 189. Pairs Development and Technical6. Competitions 1920. Programs and New Program Development7. Dance Development and Technical 201. Rules8. Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management 212. SafeSport9. Domestic Selections 223. Singles Development and Technical10. Ethics 234. Sports Sciences and Medicine11. Finance 245. Strategic Planning12. Grievance 256. Synchronized Development and Technical13. International 267. Tests14. International Officials


Section 2 Committee Groups. U.S. Figure Skating committees are organized into five committee groups:Group 1: Athlete Services: Athletes Advisory, Coaches, Dance Development and Technical, Memorial Fund, Pairs

Development and Technical, Singles Development and Technical, Sports Sciences and Medicine and Synchronized Development and Technical.

Group 2: Membership Development: Adult Skating, Membership, and Programs and New Program Development.Group 3: Technical and Officials: Competitions, Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management, Domestic

Selections, Officials Recruitment and Training, and Tests.Group 4: Administrative/Legal: Audit, Compensation, Ethics, Finance, Grievance, Rules, SafeSport, and Strategic

Planning.Group 5: International: International, and International Officials and International Selections.

Coordinators of Groups 1-4 are nominated by the Nominating Committee and presented to the Governing Council for election. The ISU representative will serve as coordinator of Group 5, while remaining an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.


90. ADOPTED – Exhibit D – Board of DirectorsAmend Article XXI of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws (page 32, Rulebook) as follows:

ARTICLE XXIPrerequisites to Participation in U.S. Figure Skating Activities

Prerequisites.A. Any person who is a member in good standing of a member club, collegiate club or an honorary or individual

member and is registered with U.S. Figure Skating and is otherwise eligible to do so in accordance with the official rules of U.S. Figure Skating has the opportunity to participate in the activities of U.S. Figure Skating, including but not limited to:(i) The opportunity to compete in competitions, take tests and participate in ice shows and exhibitions sponsored by

U.S. Figure Skating; and (ii) The opportunity to serve as an officer, a director or committee member or as an official in figure skating.

B. U.S. Figure Skating does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable.

C. As a condition of membership in U.S. Figure Skating and a condition for participation in any competition or event sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating or its member clubs, each member and each athlete, coach, team staff, official and any other person who participates in U.S. Figure Skating or U.S. Figure Skating events (whether or not a U.S. Figure Skating member), agrees to comply with and be bound by the SafeSport rules, policies and procedures of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and agrees to submit, without reservation or condition, to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport for the resolution of any alleged violations of those rules, policies and procedures, as may be amended from time to time. To the extent any U.S. Figure Skating rule is inconsistent with the rules of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, such rule is superseded.

D. It is the duty of all athletes, athlete support personnel and other persons (as those terms are defined in the World-Anti Doping Code), by virtue of their participation in an event or competition organized or sanctioned by U.S. Figure Skating, participation on a national team, participation in the Olympic or Youth Olympic Games, utilization of a USOC Training Center, receipt of benefits from the USOC or U.S. Figure Skating, inclusion in the Registered Testing Pool, or otherwise subject to the World Anti-Doping Code to comply with all anti-doping rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Skating Union (ISU), the USOC, and of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), including the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing (USADA Protocol) and all other policies and rules adopted by WADA, U.S. Figure Skating and USADA. If it is determined that an athlete, athlete support personnel, or other person may have committed a doping violation, the individual agrees to submit to the results management authority and processes of USADA, including arbitration under the USADA Protocol, or to the results management authority of U.S. Figure Skating, if applicable or referred by USADA. In addition, athletes agree to submit to drug testing by U.S. Figure Skating and/or USADA or their designees at any time and understand that the use of methods or substances prohibited by the applicable anti-doping rules make them subject to penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification and suspension.



91. ADOPTED – Exhibit E – Board of DirectorsAmend Article XXV, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws; and amend the Grievance Committee Rules (pages 33-35 and 56-60, Rulebook) as follows:

ARTICLE XXVGrievance and Disciplinary Proceedings

Section 1 Grievance and Disciplinary Proceedings. All grievance and disciplinary procedures must be filed and resolved pursuant to the procedures outlined in this section and in the Grievance Committee Rules and Ethics Committee Rules. The forms and instructions for filing a grievance are available from U.S. Figure Skating headquarters upon request of a member or member club.

A. Grievance Proceedings (Except for matters subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport under Section 2 of this article): (i) Scope:

(a) Any U.S. Figure Skating member or member club aggrieved or harmed by the alleged violation of a U.S. Figure Skating bylaw or rule by any other U.S. Figure Skating member or member club, or by U.S. Figure Skating, may bring a grievance citing the alleged violation of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaw or rule.

(b) The member or member club must be a member in good standing both at the time the grievance is filed and at the time of the alleged violation of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaw or rule.

(c) Such grievance must include the allegation that violation of a specific U.S. Figure Skating bylaw or rule caused harm to the Grievant.

The balance of Section 1 and all of Section 2 remain unchanged.

GrievanceGCR 2.02 The Grievance Committee has jurisdiction over:

A. All all grievances and disciplinary proceedings filed under Article XXV of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws except for matters subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport under Article XXV, Section 2, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.

B. All disciplinary proceedings brought under Article XXV of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.

GCR 3.00 Initiating Grievance ProceedingsGCR 3.01 The grievance process is started by filing a grievance statement with the Grievance Committee chair. A

grievance statement may be filed by either a member or a member club. The grievance statement must be written, signed under oath, notarized, and include:J. The Grievant may attach supporting documentation and evidence, including a description of anticipated testimonial

evidence, to the Grievance Statement.K. The Grievant must pay a $225 filing fee to U.S. Figure Skating when the Grievance is filed. If the Grievance is not

accepted, the filing fee will be refunded. There is no fee for filing a SafeSport Complaint (see rule section ECR 4.00).GCR 3.02 Receipt of Grievance Statement by Grievance Committee chair:

C. If the Grievance Committee chair determines that the Grievance Statement complies with all applicable requirements, the Grievance Committee chair shall, within two weeks of receipt of the Grievance Statement:1. Notify the Grievant, the Respondent, the president, secretary and Administrative/Legal Group coordinator of

U.S. Figure Skating of acceptance of the Grievance;2. Forward a copy of the Grievance Statement and any attachments provided through rule GCR 3.01 (J) to the

Respondent(s) at the Respondent’s last known address or the address maintained in the U.S. Figure Skating database or to the Respondent’s representative, if such representative is known to U.S. Figure Skating. This will constitute “notice”. The person responsible for sending the documents to the Respondent must use any expeditious delivery system that provides reasonable evidence of delivery to the addressee, which will constitute proof that notice of the Grievance was given to the Respondent; and

3. Name a Hearing Panel and forward the Grievance Statement to each panel member.GCR 3.03 Respondent’s Reply to Grievance Statement:

A. The Respondent may file a response to the Grievance Statement with the Grievant and the Grievance Committee chair. If filed, the response must be in writing, signed under oath and notarized. The Respondent may also include supporting documentation and evidence, including a description of anticipated testimonial evidence, with the response. The response must be filed within 30 days after delivery of the Grievance Statement to the address of the Respondent on file at U.S. Figure Skating headquarters by any expeditious delivery system that provides reasonable evidence of delivery.

B. Failure to file a Response constitutes an admission of the allegations made by the Grievant and waives the Respondent’s right to a hearing or appeal. After such an admission, the Grievance Committee chair will recommend appropriate relief to the Board of Directors and seek their agreement. If the board concurs, the Grievance Committee chair’s decision is final, binding and may not be appealed under the bylaws and rules of U.S. Figure Skating.


GCR 3.05 Hearing Guidelines:A. The Grievance Committee chair, after consultation with the parties, shall determine if the hearing will be conducted

by writing, telephone conference, hearing or any combination thereof, and provide written notification of such decision to the parties. The hearing or completion of the investigation must occur within 90 days of the appointment of a Hearing Panel unless the Hearing Panel chair and the Grievance Committee chair concurrently decide that there are reasonable grounds for a delay, grant a reasonable delay, and notify the parties of the delay, and the reasons for it in writing.

B. The Grievant and Respondent may represent themselves throughout the grievance process, or may be represented by a person of their choice.

C. The Hearing Panel chair will provide the Grievant, the Respondent and the panel members with written procedures and guidelines to be followed.

D. All communications with the Hearing Panel must be in writing and directed to the chair of the Hearing Panel.E. The Hearing Panel chair must ensure that a record of the hearing is made.F. All parties must be given a reasonable opportunity to present oral or written evidence, to cross-examine witnesses,

and to present such factual or legal claims as desired. The rules of evidence will not be strictly enforced; instead, rules of evidence generally accepted in administrative proceedings will be applicable. The Hearing Panel will determine admissibility, relevance and materiality of the evidence offered and may exclude evidence deemed by the Hearing Panel to be cumulative or irrelevant. The Hearing Panel has the right to question witnesses or parties to the proceeding at any time.

FG. The Grievant has the burden of supporting the Grievance by a preponderance of the evidence.GH. Within 20 days of the conclusion of a hearing, the Hearing Panel must issue a written decision including findings of

fact, the bylaws or rules upon which the decision is based and the reasoning behind the decision. The decision must be sent to the Grievance Committee chair, Grievant, Respondent and the U.S. Figure Skating president, secretary and Administrative/Legal Group coordinator by any expeditious delivery system that provides reasonable evidence of delivery.

HI. The jurisdiction of the Hearing Panel ceases, and Hearing Panel members shall will be discharged when the written decision is issued.

GCR 5.04 Expedited Hearing Procedures:A. Filing a request for an Expedited Hearing for qualifying competitions and competitions protected under the USOC

Bylaws or the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act:1. Any aggrieved U.S. Figure Skating member, member club or the Ethics Committee chair (the “Grievant”) may

initiate a grievance or disciplinary proceeding on an expedited basis pursuant to Article XXV, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws by notifying the Grievance Committee chair verbally as soon as the substance of the grievance or disciplinary matter becomes known, followed within 24 hours by a written Grievance Statement. The verbal notice must include:a. A statement of fact, including the alleged harm or potential harm to the Grievant;b. The bylaws or rules allegedly violated;c. The member or member club allegedly violating the bylaws or rules name of the party against whom the

Grievance is brought (“Respondent”);d. The specific relief requested.The written Grievance Statement must include all of the above elements, and must be signed by the Grievant and notarized under penalty of perjury.

B. Filing a request for an Expedited Hearing for all other matters:1. If the Grievance Committee chair determines that compliance with regular procedures would not likely produce

a timely decision under the circumstances, any aggrieved U.S. Figure Skating member or member club or the chair of the Ethics Committee (the “Grievant”) may initiate a grievance or disciplinary proceeding on an expedited basis pursuant to Article XXV, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws by notifying the Grievance Committee chair in writing as soon as the substance of the grievance or disciplinary matter becomes known. Such notice must include:a. A concise statement of fact including the alleged harm to the Grievant;b. The bylaws or rules allegedly violated;c. The member or member club allegedly violating such bylaws or rules name of the party against whom the

Grievance is brought (“Respondent”);d. The specific relief requested; ande. The notarized signature of the Grievant under penalty of perjury.



92. ADOPTED – Exhibit F – Board of DirectorsAmend Article XVIII and XXII of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws and rules AACR 1.11 and 2.01 (pages 30, 32 and 41-42, Rulebook) as follows:

ARTICLE XVIIIComposition of Permanent Committees

Section 1 General Provisions.A. Each permanent committee will consist of no fewer than nine voting members, with the exception of the Audit

Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Finance Committee, the Grievance Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, which will be of such size as specified in Section 2 of this article.

B. The members insofar as practical will be evenly divided among the three sections.C. Chairs of permanent committees, except the Athletes Advisory Committee, the Audit Committee, the Finance

Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, will be appointed annually by the president upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. Each chair will hold office for one year from the conclusion of the annual meeting of the Governing Council or until their respective successors are appointed and assume office. With the exception of the chair of the Finance Committee, the chair of a permanent committee may be removed by the president with the concurrence of the Board of Directors.

D. With the exception of athlete members, the members of permanent committees, except other than the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Finance Committee, Grievance Committee and Strategic Planning Committee, will be appointed annually by their chairs to hold office for one year or until their successors are appointed and assume office. Said chairs may remove such members Members may be removed from a committee by the chair of the applicable committee with the concurrence of the president.

E. Athlete members of permanent committees will be elected or appointed annually as outlined below to hold office for one year or until their successors are appointed and assume office. Athlete members may be removed from a committee by the chair of the applicable committee with the concurrence of the president and the chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee.(i) Members of the Athletes Advisory Committee will be elected annually following the procedures in rule AACR

1.11.(ii) Athlete members of the Finance Committee, Grievance Committee, International Committee and International

Officials Committee will be elected annually by the members of the Athletes Advisory Committee.(iii) Athlete members of all other permanent committees will be appointed by their chairs and approved annually by

the chair and discipline vice chairs of the Athletes Advisory Committee.EF. The chairs and all members of permanent committees must be:

(i) At least 18 years of age,(ii) A registered member in good standing of U.S. Figure Skating, and(iii) Otherwise qualified to serve in accordance with the official rules of U.S. Figure Skating.

FG. Athlete Representation. At least 20 percent of all committees, subcommittees, task forces and all other types of legislative bodies, whether permanent, special, ad hoc or otherwise, will consist of individuals who are athletes as defined in Article XXII. Athlete members must be elected or approved by the Athletes Advisory Committee as provided for in applicable U.S. Figure Skating bylaws and rules.

GH. Ex-officio Members. Unless a bylaw or official rule provides otherwise, ex-officio members may vote but are not counted in determining the number required for a quorum or whether a quorum is present at a meeting.

Section 2 Specific Committee Provisions. The following committees will be composed as indicated, and all members of such committees will hold office for one year from the conclusion of the annual meeting of the Governing Council for that year or until their respective successors are appointed and assume office.

C. The Finance Committee consists of:(i) The treasurer, who serves as chair of the committee;(ii) The immediate past treasurer; and(iii) Six members appointed by the chair for their financial business experience.; and(iv) Three athlete members with financial business experience elected by the Athletes Advisory Committee.(iv) The executive director, the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, and the controller of U.S. Figure Skating

will be ex-officio members of the Finance Committee.D. The Grievance Committee will constitute the member pool from which at least two-thirds of the members of any

Hearing Panel will be drawn. Each year one-third of the committee will be appointed for a three-year term. The committee consists of:(i) A chair annually appointed by the president, and(ii) 34 members appointed for three-year terms as follows:

(a) Three U.S. Figure Skating members from each region appointed by the appropriate sectional vice president, and


(b) Seven athletes as defined in Article XXII appointed elected by the chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee (herein called “Athlete Members of the Grievance Committee”).

ARTICLE XXIIDefinition of Athlete

Section 2 Athlete Service on U.S. Figure Skating Bodies. An athlete who is elected, selected or appointed for service as an Athlete Delegate to the Governing Council, on the Athletes Advisory Committee, Board of Directors, Finance Committee, Grievance Committee, Nominating Committee, International Committee, International Committee Management Subcommittee, Synchronized Management Subcommittee or Selections International Officials Committee must have competed in either:

A. A championship (senior) or junior event at the most recent U.S. Figure Skating Championships or U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, or

B. An international competition as defined in Section 1 (C) of this Article XXII, within the 10 years preceding election.

Athletes AdvisoryAACR 1.10 OrganizationAACR 1.11 The Athletes Advisory Committee consists of 50 members, equally divided among the disciplines of ladies,

men, pairs, ice dance and synchronized skating, with each discipline having a vice chair selected from among its 10 members. The members of the Athletes Advisory Committee will be elected annually each spring as follows:A. Athletes meeting the definition of Article XXII, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws will elect those athletes

meeting the definition in Article XXII, Section 2, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws to serve as members of the Athletes Advisory Committee for a period of one year and will number no more than 50.

B. 1. Those Athletes elected: 1. Must be at least 18 years of age; and must be equally divided among ladies, men, pairs, ice dance and synchronized

skating.2. Athletes elected Must not have competed for another country within the prior two years.;3. Athletes elected to serve on the Athletes Advisory Committee Will serve as delegates to the Governing Council

held the year after the annual election. 4C. The process and conduct of the annual elections of members of the Athletes Advisory Committee and those persons

who will serve as athlete members of the Board of Directors, Nominating Committee and permanent committees specified in rule AACR 2.01 (C) will be determined by U.S. Figure Skating headquarters in conjunction with the chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee and presented to the Athletes Advisory Committee for approval annually. The approved election procedures will be posted on the U.S. Figure Skating Members Only website at usfsaonline.org by March 1 each year. Approved procedures will include, at minimum, the methods of notification, voting, tie breaking, audit and the schedule.

AACR 2.00 ResponsibilityAACR 2.01 The Athletes Advisory Committee will:

A. Act as a collecting base for the viewpoints and ideas of individuals who are actively engaged in athletic competition in figure skating or who have represented the United States in international athletic competition in figure skating within the preceding 10 years, and conduct informational meetings from time to time in implementation thereof;

B. Identify Elect from among the elected members of the Athletes Advisory Committee those persons who will serve as the athlete members of the Board of Directors, as the chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee and the athlete members of the Nominating Committee;

C. Elect from among the athletes defined in Article XXII, Section 2, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws, the athlete members of the Finance Committee, Grievance Committee, International Committee and International Officials Committee pursuant to procedures established in rule AACR 1.11 (A)(4).

CD. Elect USOC athlete representatives who will serve until the next quadrennial meeting or until their successors are elected. The Athletes Advisory Committee shall will finalize the USOC athlete representative election process by Dec. 1 before the new Olympic Quadrennial starts;

DE. Make recommendations for the nomination of the figure skating members of U.S. Figure Skating and ISU, as well as for the selection of staff personnel of teams to represent U.S. Figure Skating in international competition.

EF. Establish rules, procedures and guidelines for carrying out Athletes Advisory Committee functions.FG. Make recommendations to the president for Approve appointment of athlete members to committees where

athlete members are not elected.

Implementation date: July 1, 2019


93. ADOPTED – Exhibit G – Rules CommitteeAmend Article XXII, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws (page 32, Rulebook) to update the list of competitions for the definition of athlete.

ARTICLE XXII Definition of Athlete

Section 1 Definition of Athlete. For all purposes set forth in these bylaws or the official rules of U.S. Figure Skating, an athlete is defined as a member meeting the prerequisites of Article XXI of these bylaws and:

A. Any person who has competed in a sectional championship in singles, pairs or ice dance in a qualifying event, or U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships or the U.S. Synchronized Skat-ing Championships during the prior five years; or


94. ADOPTED – Exhibit H – Rules Committee and the Nominating CommitteeAmend Article XVIII, Section 1 (C), of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws (page 30, Rulebook) as follows:

ARTICLE XVIII Composition of Permanent Committees

Section 1 General Provisions. C. Chairs of permanent committees, except the Athletes Advisory Committee, the Audit Committee, the Compensa-

tion Committee, the Finance Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, will be appointed annually by the president upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. Each chair will hold office for one year from the conclusion of the annual meeting of the Governing Council or until their respective successors are appointed and assume office. With the exception of the chair of the Finance Committee, the chair of a permanent committee may be removed by the president with the concurrence of the Board of Directors.


95. ADOPTED – Exhibit I – Rules Committee and Nominating CommitteeAmend Article XVIII, Section 2 (D)(i), of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws (page 30, Rulebook) as follows:

ARTICLE XVIII Composition of Permanent Committees

Section 2 Specific Committee Provisions. The following committees will be composed as indicated, and all members of such committees will hold office for one year from the conclusion of the annual meeting of the Governing Council for that year or until their respective successors are appointed and assume office.

D. The Grievance Committee will constitute the member pool from which at least two-thirds of the members of any Hearing Panel will be drawn. Each year one-third of the committee will be appointed for a three-year term. The committee consists of: (i) A chair annually appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, and (ii) 34 members appointed for three-year terms as follows:

(a) Three U.S. Figure Skating members from each region appointed by the appropriate sectional vice president, and

(b) Seven athletes as defined in Article XXII appointed by the chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee (herein called “Athlete Members of the Grievance Committee”).


96. ADOPTED AS AMENDED – Exhibit J – Rules Committee and Nominating CommitteeAmend Article XV, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws (page 27, Rulebook) as follows:

ARTICLE XVNominations and Elections of Officers and Board of Directors

Section 1 Nominating Committee. Each year a 12-member Nominating Committee will be established consisting of:A. Nine registered members, none of whom represent the same region, consisting of:

(i) Three members (one from each section) elected in odd numbered years by the Governing Council full member club delegates and individual member delegates from that section to serve two-year terms; and

(ii) Six members (two from each section) elected in even numbered years by the Governing Council full member club delegates and individual member delegates from that section to serve two-year terms.


(iii) Elections will be conducted as set forth in rules NCR 3.00-3.02 2.00-2.03.B. Three registered athlete members who satisfy the criteria for athlete representation on U.S. Figure Skating committees

set forth in Article XVI XVIII, Section 5 1 (F)), of these bylaws, each representing a different section, will be elected by the Athletes Advisory Committee to serve one-year terms.

C. Only athlete members may serve consecutive terms on the Nominating Committee.D. Members of the Nominating Committee are ineligible to be nominated or elected for any office, or to be

recommended, appointed or elected as a permanent committee chair while they are serving as a member of the Nominating Committee.

E. The Nominating Committee will elect one of its members to act as the chair of the committee.F. All members of the Nominating Committee will hold office from the conclusion of the annual meeting of the

Governing Council at which they are elected and until their respective successors are appointed and assume office.


FROM THE ATHLETE SERVICES GROUP

There were no requests for action from the Athlete Services Group.

FROM THE MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT GROUP

201. APPROVED – Membership CommitteeAmend rule MR 8.07 (page 83, Rulebook) as follows:

MR 8.07 Member clubs must may submit to U.S. Figure Skating headquarters, at any time, during the current registration year, a list of their home club members or U.S. Figure Skating individual members not in good standing with said club. Additionally, synchronized skating teams and Theatre On Ice teams may submit to U.S. Figure Skating headquarters, at any time, a list of their team members who are not in good standing with their team. U.S. Figure Skating may also flag a member as not in good standing for outstanding financial obligation, i.e. qualifying competition entry fees. Such members will be flagged in the U.S. Figure Skating database and will be restricted from all U.S. Figure Skating activities including, but not limited to, testing, competing, coaching, partnering tests, officiating at U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned events or serving as an officer, director or committee member for U.S. Figure Skating or one of its member clubs, col-legiate clubs or school-affiliated clubs until such financial matter has been resolved. Outstanding financial obligation is the only valid reason for submitting a member on this list.


202. APPROVED – Special Olympics/Therapeutic Skating CommitteeChange the names of all Special Olympics/Therapeutic Skating Tests to Adaptive Skating Tests in the U.S. Figure Skating rules.


203. APPROVED – Special Olympics/Therapeutic Skating CommitteeAmend rules 5039 and 6236 and add new rule 8238 (pages 169, 179 and 258, Rulebook) as follows:

5039 Adaptive Skating Moves in the Field TestsSpecial Olympics/Therapeutic Skating Adaptive skating moves in the field tests are to be judged on a “pass” or “retry” basis. A. To pass a standard or adult moves in the field test as an adaptive skating candidate, a candidate should achieve a

comfortable level of performance with the new concepts introduced at each level. B. All elements may be reskated one time at the request of the judge-in-charge. Additional reskates will be at the

discretion of the judge-in-charge. C. There is no focus for any element. D. Adaptive Special Olympics or therapeutic skating athlete candidates may be assisted during the test by a coach

or another athlete from the boards or on the ice. E. Guidelines and specific examples of appropriate verbal cues, translations or prompting can be obtained from

usfigureskating.org. Diagrams may differ and should be obtained from usfigureskating.org.


6236 Adaptive Skating Free Skate TestsSpecial Olympics/Therapeutic Skating Adaptive skating free skate tests are to be judged on a “pass” or “retry” basis. A. To pass a standard or adult free skate test as an adaptive skating candidate, a candidate should achieve a comfort-

able level of performance with the new concepts introduced at each level. B. Any number of elements may be reskated at the request of the judge-in-charge. C. Adaptive Special Olympics or therapeutic skating athlete candidates may be assisted during the test by a coach

or another athlete from the boards or on the ice. D. Guidelines and specific examples of appropriate verbal cues, translations or prompting can be obtained from

usfigureskating.org.

8238 Adaptive Skating Partnered Pattern Dance TestsAdaptive skating partnered pattern dance tests are to be judged on a “pass” or “retry” basis.A. To pass a pattern dance test as an adaptive skating candidate, a candidate should achieve a comfortable level of

performance with the new concepts introduced at each level.B. Any pattern dance may be reskated at the request of the judge-in-charge and should follow rule 8240 (C).


FROM THE TECHNICAL GROUP

301. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rules 7531, 7541 and 7551 (pages 232-234, Rulebook) as follows:

7531 Elements for the Adult Gold Pairs Free Skate and Free Skate Test ADULT GOLD PAIRS WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE & TEST

3:40 maximum timePROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following elements

in any orderTest: Must contain the following elements in any order

DEATH SPIRAL/PIVOT FIGURE

Maximum of one death spiral or pivot figure•Regular hand-to-hand hold required•At least one-half revolution with man in full piv-

ot position (buttocks not higher than knee of pivot foot)

•In the death spiral, the lady’s lowest hip or but-tock and head should not be higher than her skat-ing knee. A slightly higher position of her hip or buttock is acceptable on back outside death spiral.

One death-type spiral•Minimum ½ revolution by the man in pivot po-

sition•Lady’s edge optional•Hand hold should be a regular one-hand hold

7541 Elements for the Adult Silver Pairs Free Skate and Free Skate TestADULT SILVER PAIRS WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE & TEST



DEATH SPIRAL/ PIVOT FIG-URE

Maximum of one death spiral or pivot figure•Pivot position is not required•Skaters may choose the position and hand hold•Attempt must be identifiable

One death-type spiral or pivot figure•Pivot position is not required•Skaters may choose the position and hand hold•Attempt must be identifiable

7531 Elements for the Adult Bronze Pairs Free Skate and Free Skate Test ADULT BRONZE PAIRS WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE & TEST



PIVOT FIG-URE

Maximum of one pivot figure•Pivot position is not required•Skaters may choose the position and hand hold•Attempt must be identifiable

One pivot figure•Hand hold and pivot position are optional•Attempt must be identifiable




4201 In lieu of taking a free skate, pair or partnered free dance test at the juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior or senior levels, or an adult silver or gold free skate test, at a test session, candidates may elect to submit their protocol from a U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned nonqualifying competition conducted under the IJS, where they have met the min-imum passing scores as defined in rule 4202. Skaters must have met the prerequisites for the test by the date of the competition and must have competed in the applicable event at the level they are wishing to pass (i.e. any skater who wishes to pass the juvenile free skate test at a competition must compete and earn the minimum passing scores in a juvenile/open juvenile free skate event).


303. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rules 5011-5013 (page 167, Rulebook) and 5034 (page 169, Rulebook) as follows:

5011 The standard moves in the field tests are divided into eight classes which must be taken in the following order: Standard moves in the field test Prerequisite Pre-preliminary MIF NonePreliminary MIF Pre-preliminary moves in the field testPre-juvenile MIF Preliminary moves in the field testJuvenile MIF Pre-juvenile moves in the field test

Intermediate MIF Juvenile moves in the field test or adult gold moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Novice MIF Intermediate moves in the field test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Junior MIF Novice moves in the field test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Senior MIF Junior moves in the field test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+ passing average)

A. To qualify for any standard moves in the field test, the candidate must have completed the relevant prerequisites shown above.

5012 The adult moves in the field tests are divided into four eight classes which must be taken in the following order: Adult moves in the field test Candidate Prerequisite Adult pre-bronze MIF Adult 21+ None

Adult bronze MIFAdult 21+ Adult pre-bronze moves in the field test or pre-preliminary

moves in the field test

Adult 50+ Adult pre-bronze moves in the field test or pre-preliminary moves in the field test

Adult silver MIFAdult 21+ Adult bronze moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+

passing average) or preliminary moves in the field test

Adult 50+ Adult bronze moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or preliminary moves in the field test

Adult gold MIFAdult 21+ Adult silver moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+

passing average) or pre-juvenile moves in the field test

Adult 50+ Adult silver moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or pre-juvenile moves in the field test

Adult intermediate MIFAdult 21+ Adult gold moves in the field test (adult 21+ passing average)

or juvenile moves in the field test

Adult 50+ Adult gold moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or juvenile moves in the field test

Adult novice MIFAdult 21+ Adult intermediate moves in the field test (adult 21+ passing

average) or intermediate moves in the field test

Adult 50+ Adult intermediate moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or intermediate moves in the field test


Adult junior MIFAdult 21+ Adult novice moves in the field test (adult 21+ passing

average) or novice moves in the field test

Adult 50+ Adult novice moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or novice moves in the field test

Adult senior MIFAdult 21+ Adult junior moves in the field test (adult 21+ passing

average) or junior moves in the field test

Adult 50+ Adult junior moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or junior moves in the field test

A. To qualify for any adult moves in the field test (pre-bronze, bronze, silver, and gold, intermediate, novice, junior and senior), the candidate must be 21 years of age or older and must have completed the relevant prerequisites shown above. To qualify for any adult moves in the field test as an adult 50+ candidate, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have completed the relevant prerequisites shown above.

B. A candidate who meets the age requirements in rule 5012 (A) who would like to take an adult moves in the field test as an adult 50+ candidate must specify this when registering to take the test. If the candidate does not specify, it will be assumed that the candidate is taking the test as an adult 21+ candidate, regardless of the candidate’s age.

CB. Moves in the field equivalencies are allowed in one direction only from the standard track to the adult track, not from the adult track to the standard track, except that adult skaters who have passed the adult gold moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) are permitted to take the standard intermediate moves in the field test without testing the standard pre-preliminary through juvenile moves in the field tests.

5013 Intermediate, novice, junior and senior standard moves in the field tests may be taken as a standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+ candidate. Adult bronze, silver, and gold moves in the field tests may be taken as an adult 21+ or adult 50+ candidate.A. Ages to qualify for any standard or adult moves in the field tests as an adult 21+, adult 25+ or adult 50+ candi-

dates: Moves in the field test Taken as Age Standard Adult 25+ candidate 25 and overStandard Adult 50+ candidate 50 and overAdult Adult 21+ candidate 21 and overAdult Adult 50+ candidate 50 and over

B. A candidate who meets the age requirements in 5013.A who would like to take a standard moves in the field test as an adult 25+ or adult 50+ candidate or an adult test as an adult 50+ candidate must specify this when register-ing to take the test. If the candidate does not so specify, it will be assumed that the candidate is taking the test as a standard candidate (for standard tests) or an adult 21+ candidate (for adult tests), regardless of the candidate’s age.

5034 For adult 25+ 21+ candidates (adult intermediate through senior moves in the field tests), the candidate should show the same level of achievement as that of a standard candidate at one test level below. For adult 50+ candidates (adult intermediate through senior moves in the field tests), the candidate should show the same level of achievement as that of a standard candidate at two test levels below. For adult 50+ candidates (adult bronze through adult gold moves in the field tests), the candidate should show the same level of achievement as that of an adult 21+ candidate at one test level below.

Update naming conventions throughout rulebook, including rules 5105-5108, 7211 and 8361.



304. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rules 8212-8213 (pages 254-255, Rulebook), 8215-8216 (pages 255-256, Rulebook), 8225 (page 257, Rulebook) and 8234-8235 (page 258, Rulebook) as follows:

8212 The adult 21+ categories of partnered pattern dance tests are divided into eight classes which must be taken in the following order, except as otherwise provided in rule 8217:Adult 21+ partnered pattern dance test

Candidate Prerequisite

Preliminary partnered pattern dance N/A NoneAdult 21+ pre-bronze partnered pattern dance

Adult 21+ Preliminary partnered pattern dance testAdult 50+ Preliminary partnered pattern dance test

Adult 21+ bronze partnered pattern dance Adult 21+ Pre-bronze partnered pattern dance test (standard or

adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+ Pre-bronze partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ pre-silver partnered pattern dance Adult 21+ Bronze partnered pattern dance test (standard or adult

21+ passing average)

Adult 50+ Bronze partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ silver partnered pattern dance

Adult 21+ Pre-silver partnered pattern dance test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+ Pre-silver partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ pre-gold partnered pattern dance

Adult 21+ Silver partnered pattern dance test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+ Silver partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ gold partnered pattern dance

Adult 21+ Pre-gold partnered pattern dance test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+ Pre-gold partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ international partnered pattern dance

Adult 21+ Pre-gold partnered pattern dance test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+ Pre-gold partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

A. The passing of a lower level adult 21+ partnered pattern dance test as an adult 21+ candidate does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level standard partnered pattern dance test. The passing of a lower level adult partnered pattern dance test as an adult 50+ candidate does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level adult (adult 21+ passing average) or standard partnered pattern dance test.

B. To qualify for any adult 21+ partnered pattern dance test as an adult 21+ candidate, the candidate must be 21 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult (adult 21+ passing average) or standard partnered pattern dance test. To qualify for any adult partnered pattern dance test as an adult 50+ candidate, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing aver-age) or standard partnered pattern dance test.

C. A candidate who meets the age requirements in rule 8212 (B) who would like to take an adult partnered pattern dance test as an adult 50+ candidate must specify this when registering to take the test. If the candidate does not so specify, it will be assumed that the candidate is taking the test as an adult 21+ candidate, regardless of the candidate’s age.

8213 The adult 50+ categories of partnered pattern dance tests are divided into eight classes to be taken in the following order, except as otherwise provided in rule 8217:Adult 50+ partnered pattern dance test

Prerequisite

Preliminary partnered pattern dance NoneAdult 50+ pre-bronze partnered pattern dance

Preliminary partnered pattern dance test


Adult 50+ bronze partnered pattern dance

Pre-bronze partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ pre-silver partnered pattern dance

Bronze partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ silver partnered pattern dance

Pre-silver partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ pre-gold partnered pattern dance

Silver partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ gold partnered pattern dance

Pre-gold partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ international partnered pattern dance

Pre-gold partnered pattern dance test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

A. The passing of a lower level adult 50+ partnered pattern dance test does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level adult 21+ or standard partnered pattern dance test.

B. To qualify for any adult 50+ partnered pattern dance test, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult 50+, adult 21+ or standard partnered pattern dance test.

8215 The adult 21+ categories of solo pattern dance track tests are divided into eight classes which must be taken in the following order, except as otherwise provided in rule 8217:Adult 21+ solo pattern dance track test


Preliminary solo pattern dance N/A NoneAdult 21+ pre-bronze solo pattern dance Adult 21+ Preliminary partnered pattern dance or solo pattern

dance track test

Adult 50+ Preliminary partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test

Adult 21+ bronze solo pattern dance Adult 21+ Pre-bronze partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+Pre-bronze partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ pre-silver solo pattern dance Adult 21+ Bronze partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance

track test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+Bronze partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ silver solo pattern dance

Adult 21+ Pre-silver partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+Pre-silver partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ pre-gold solo pattern dance

Adult 21+ Silver partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+Silver partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ gold solo pattern dance

Adult 21+ Pre-gold partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+Pre-gold partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 21+ international solo pattern dance

Adult 21+ Pre-gold partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard or adult 21+ passing average)

Adult 50+Pre-gold partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)


A. The passing of a lower level adult 21+ solo pattern dance track test as an adult 21+ candidate does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level standard solo dance track test. The passing of a lower level adult solo pattern dance track test as an adult 50+ candidate does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level adult (adult 21+ passing average) or standard solo pattern dance track test.

B. To qualify for any adult 21+ solo pattern dance track test as an adult 21+ candidate, the candidate must be 21 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult (adult 21+ passing average) or standard partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test. To qualify for any adult partnered pattern dance test as an adult 50+ candidate, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or standard partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test.

C. A candidate who meets the age requirements in rule 8215 (B) who would like to take an adult partnered pattern dance test as an adult 50+ candidate must specify this when registering to take the test. If the candidate does not so specify, it will be assumed that the candidate is taking the test as an adult 21+ candidate, regardless of the candidate’s age.

8216 The adult 50+ categories of solo pattern dance track tests are divided into eight classes which must be taken in the following order, except as otherwise provided in rule 8217:Adult 50+ partnered pattern dance test

Prerequisite

Preliminary solo pattern dance NoneAdult 50+ pre-bronze solo pattern dance

Preliminary partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test

Adult 50+ bronze solo pattern dance Pre-bronze partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ pre-silver solo pattern dance

Bronze partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ silver solo pattern dance Pre-silver partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ pre-gold solo pattern dance

Silver partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ gold solo pattern dance Pre-gold partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

Adult 50+ international solo pattern dance

Pre-gold partnered pattern dance or solo pattern dance track test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average)

A. The passing of a lower level adult 50+ solo pattern dance track test does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level adult 21+ or standard solo dance track test.

B. To qualify for any adult 50+ solo pattern dance track test, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult 50+, adult 21+ or standard solo dance track test.

8234 For adult 21+ pattern dance tests taken by adult 21+ candidates, the candidate should show the same level of achievement in expression, carriage, unison, knowledge of the steps, correct edges, timing, rhythm and musical in-terpretation as expected from the standard candidate. A clear understanding of the correct pattern should be demon-strated, although a pattern that is slightly smaller than the one expected at the standard level is acceptable. Flow, speed, depth of edge, extension and quality of turns should be at least equivalent to that of a standard candidate at one test level below.

8235 For adult 50+ pattern dance tests taken by adult 50+ candidates, knowledge of steps and basic timing must equal that required of standard candidates for the level being tested. Although a large pattern is not required, the shape of the lobes and their relation to each other should be approximately correct. Expression must at least meet the standard for the level below. Strong development of extension, carriage, unison, flow/speed and depth of edge will not be demanded. However, basic balance, form and skating skills must be adequate to achieve comfortable performance of the required steps and partner positions at every level.

Update adult pattern dance naming conventions throughout rulebook, including rules 8225, 8251-8259, 8510, 8520, 8530, 8540, 8560, 8570, 8580, 8590, 8600, 8620, 8630, 8640, 8650, 8660, 8700, 8720 and 8740.



305. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rules 8312-8313 (page 261 Rulebook), add rule 8333 (page 262 Rulebook) and amend rules 8351-8354 (pages 263-265 Rulebook) as follows:

8312 The adult 21+ partnered free dance tests are divided into four classes each:Adult 21+ partnered free dance test


Adult 21+ pre-bronze partnered free dance N/A Complete preliminary partnered pattern dance test

Adult 21+ bronze partnered free dance

Adult 21+Adult 21+ pre-bronze partnered free dance test (adult 21+ passing average) plus one standard or adult (adult 21+ passing average) bronze partnered pattern dance (standard or adult 21+)

Adult 50+Adult pre-bronze partnered free dance test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) plus one standard or adult (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) bronze partnered pattern dance

Adult 21+ silver partnered free dance

Adult 21+ One standard or adult (adult 21+ passing average) pre-silver partnered pattern dance (standard or adult 21+)

Adult 50+ One standard or adult (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) pre-silver partnered pattern dance

Adult 21+ gold partnered free danceAdult 21+ One standard or adult (adult 21+ passing average) pre-

gold partnered pattern dance (standard or adult 21+)

Adult 50+ One standard or adult (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) pre-gold partnered pattern dance

A. The passing of a lower level adult partnered free dance test as an adult 21+ candidate does not qualify the candi-date to take the next higher level standard partnered free dance test. The passing of a lower level adult partnered free dance tests as an adult 50+ candidate does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level adult (adult 21+ passing average) or standard partnered free dance test.

B. To qualify for any adult partnered free dance test as an adult 21+ candidate, the candidate must be 21 years of age or older and must have passed the required prerequisites shown above. To qualify for any adult partnered free dance test as an adult 50+ candidate, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have passed the required prerequisites shown above. A. Any adult 21+ partnered free dance test may be taken only after the candidate has completed the corresponding level standard or adult 21+ required prerequisites as shown above. No free dance test is a prerequisite to any pattern dance test.

B. To qualify for any adult partnered free dance test, the candidate must be 21 years of age or older and must have passed the relevant prerequisites as shown above. The passing of a lower level adult 21+ partnered free dance test does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level standard partnered free dance test.

C. A candidate who meets the age requirements in rule 8312 (B) who would like to take an adult partnered free dance test as an adult 50+ candidate must specify this when registering to take the test. If the candidate does not so specify, it will be assumed that the candidate is taking the test as an adult 21+ candidate, regardless of the candidate’s age.

8313 The adult 50+ partnered free dance tests are divided into four classes each:Adult 50+ partnered free dance test PrerequisiteAdult 50+ pre-bronze partnered free dance Complete preliminary partnered pattern dance testAdult 50+ bronze partnered free dance Adult 50+ or adult 21+ pre-bronze partnered free dance test plus one

bronze partnered pattern dance (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+)Adult 50+ silver partnered free dance One pre-silver partnered pattern dance (standard, adult 21+ or adult

50+)Adult 50+ gold partnered free dance One pre-gold partnered pattern dance (standard, adult 21+ or adult

50+)A. Any adult 50+ partnered free dance test may be taken only after the candidate has completed the corresponding

level standard or adult 50+ required prerequisites as shown above. No free dance test is a prerequisite to any pattern dance test.

B. To qualify for any adult 50+ partnered free dance test, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have passed the relevant prerequisites as shown above. The passing of a lower level adult 50+ partnered free dance test does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level adult 21+ partnered free dance test or stan-dard partnered free dance test.


8333 For adult bronze through gold partnered free dance tests taken by adult 50+ candidates, the candidate should show the same level of achievement in expression as expected from the adult partnered free dance at one test level below. Strong development of extension, carriage, flow/speed and depth of edge will not be demanded. However, basic balance, form and skating skills must be adequate to achieve comfortable performance of the steps and elements at every level.

Renumber existing rules 8333-8338.

8351 Adult 21+ and Adult 50+ Pre-Bronze Partnered Free Dance TestsTest expectations: The adult 21+ and adult 50+ pre-bronze free dance tests serves as an introduction to the funda-mentals of free dance. The free dance should incorporate a variety of holds, steps and turns from the preliminary and pre-bronze pattern dance tests. Original dance holds and maneuvers are permitted. General requirements outlined for the preliminary pattern dance test apply equally to the adult 21+ and adult 50+ pre-bronze free dance tests. The couple must demonstrate a basic knowledge of the following two required elements:

8352 Adult 21+ and Adult 50+ Bronze Partnered Free Dance TestsTest expectations: General requirements outlined for the adult 21+ and adult 50+ bronze pattern dance test apply equally to the adult 21+ and adult 50+ bronze free dance test, respectively. The candidate should show the same level of achievement in expression, carriage, unison, correct edges, timing, rhythm and musical interpretation as expected from the standard bronze pattern dance test. Flow, speed, depth of edge, extension and quality of turns should be at least equivalent to that expected from the standard pre-bronze pattern dance test. The program presented must con-form to the rules for free dance. The free dance should incorporate a variety of holds, steps and turns from the pre-bronze and bronze pattern dance tests. Very basic unison and dance timing will be expected. Original dance holds and maneuvers are permitted. For adult 50+ candidates, see rule 8333. The couple must demonstrate fair knowledge of the following three required elements:

8353 Adult 21+ and Adult 50+ Silver Partnered Free Dance TestsTest expectations: General requirements outlined for the adult 21+ and adult 50+ silver pattern dance test apply equally to the adult 21+ and adult 50+ silver free dance test, respectively. The candidate should show the same level of achievement in expression, carriage, unison, correct edges, timing, rhythm and musical interpretation as expected from the standard silver pattern dance test. Flow, speed, depth of edge, extension and quality of turns should be at least equivalent to that expected from the standard pre-silver pattern dance test. The program presented must conform to the rules for free dance. The free dance should incorporate a variety of holds, steps and turns from the pre-silver and silver pattern dance tests. Original dance holds and maneuvers are encouraged. While demonstrating fundamentals of basic ice dance, it should have fair to good edges and flow, good timing, some dance expression and display moderately good form and unison. A refined presentation is not expected. For adult 50+ candidates, see rule 8333. The couple must demonstrate fair to good knowledge of the following four required elements:

8354 Adult 21+ and Adult 50+ Gold Partnered Free Dance TestsTest expectations: General requirements outlined for the adult 21+ and adult 50+ gold pattern dance test apply equally to the adult 21+ and adult 50+ gold free dance test, respectively. The candidate should show the same level of achievement in expression, carriage, unison, correct edges, timing, rhythm and musical interpretation as expected from the standard gold pattern dance test. Flow, speed, depth of edge, extension and quality of turns should be at least equivalent to that expected from the standard pre-gold pattern dance test. The program presented must conform to the rules for free dance. It must show difficulty with a variety of holds, steps and turns from the pre-gold and gold pattern dances executed with some sophistication and confidence. Original dance holds and maneuvers are encour-aged. Good dance timing, expression and unison should be demonstrated. Full utilization of the ice is expected. For adult 50+ candidates, see rule 8333. The couple must demonstrate good to excellent knowledge of the following required elements:

Update adult partnered free dance test naming conventions throughout rulebook, including rules 8331, 8335, 8337, 8700, 8720 and 8740.



306. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rule 8361 (page 265, Rulebook) and add rule 8362 (page 266, Rulebook) as follows:

8361 The standard solo free dance tests are divided into five classes:Standard solo free dance test

Prerequisite

Juvenile solo free dance(standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+)

Complete preliminary pattern dance test (partnered or solo) or juvenile MIF test or adult gold MIF test (adult 25+ or adult 50+) or Adult 21+ or adult 50+ pre-bronze partnered free dance test

Intermediate solo free dance(standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+)

Complete bronze pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or intermediate MIF test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+) or juvenile free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or Adult 21+ or adult 50+ bronze partnered free dance test

Novice solo free dance(standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+)

Complete pre-silver pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or novice MIF test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+) or intermediate free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or Adult 21+ or adult 50+ partnered silver free dance test

Junior solo free dance(standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+)

Complete silver pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or junior MIF test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+) or novice free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or Adult 21+ or adult 50+ gold partnered free dance test

Senior solo free dance(standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+)

Complete gold pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or senior MIF test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+) or junior partnered free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+)

A. Any standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ solo free dance test may be taken only after the candidate has completed the corresponding level standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ required prerequisites as shown above. No solo free dance test is a prerequisite to any pattern dance test. A solo free dance test may not serve as a prerequisite for any partnered free dance test.

B. Solo free dance tests may not serve as a test requirement for any partnered competition events. C. To qualify for any adult 21+ solo free dance test, the candidate must be 21 years of age or older and must have

passed the preceding adult 21+ or standard prerequisite test listed above. The passing of a lower level adult 21+ solo free dance test does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level standard solo free dance test. To qualify for any adult 50+ solo free dance test, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult 50+, adult 21+ or standard prerequisite test listed above. The passing of a lower level adult 50+ solo free dance test does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level adult 21+ or standard solo free dance test.

8362 The adult solo free dance tests are divided into five classes:Adult solo free dance test


Adult juvenile solo free dance

Adult 21+Complete preliminary pattern dance test (partnered or solo) or juvenile MIF test or adult gold MIF test (adult 21+) or adult pre-bronze partnered free dance test

Adult 50+Complete preliminary pattern dance test (partnered or solo) or Juvenile MIF test or adult gold MIF test (adult 21+ or adult 50+) or adult pre-bronze partnered free dance test

Adult intermediate solo free dance

Adult 21+Complete bronze pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard or adult 21+) or intermediate MIF test (standard or adult 21+) or juvenile free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard or adult 21+) or adult bronze partnered free dance test (adult 21+)

Adult 50+Complete bronze pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or intermediate MIF test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or juvenile free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or adult bronze partnered free dance test (adult 21+ or adult 50+)

Adult novice solo free dance

Adult 21+Complete pre-silver pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard or adult 21+) or novice MIF test (standard or adult 21+) or Intermediate free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard or adult 21+) or adult partnered silver free dance test (adult 21+)

Adult 50+Complete pre-silver pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or novice MIF test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or Intermediate free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or adult partnered silver free dance test (adult 21+ or adult 50+)


Adult junior solo free dance

Adult 21+Complete silver pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard or adult 21+) or junior MIF test (standard or adult 21+) or novice free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard or adult 21) or adult gold partnered free dance test (adult 21+)

Adult 50+Complete silver pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or junior MIF test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or novice free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or Adult gold partnered free dance test (adult 21+ or adult 50+)

Adult senior solo free dance

Adult 21+Complete gold pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard or adult 21+) or Senior MIF test (standard or adult 21+) or junior partnered free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard or adult 21+)

Adult 50+Complete gold pattern dance test (partnered or solo; standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or senior MIF test (standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+) or junior partnered free dance test (partnered standard, or solo standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+)

A. The passing of a lower level adult solo free dance test as an adult 21+ candidate does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level standard solo free dance test. The passing of a lower level adult solo free dance test as an adult 50+ candidate does not qualify the candidate to take the next higher level adult (adult 21+ passing average) or standard solo free dance test.

B. To qualify for any adult solo free dance test as an adult 21+ candidate, the candidate must be 21 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult (21+ passing average) or standard prerequisite test listed above. To qualify for any adult solo dance test as an adult 50+ candidate, the candidate must be 50 years of age or older and must have passed the preceding adult (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or standard prerequisite test listed above. No solo free dance test is a prerequisite to any pattern dance test. A solo free dance test may not serve as a prerequisite for any partnered free dance test.

C. A candidate who meets the age requirements in rule 8362 (B) who would like to take an adult partnered free dance test as an adult 50+ candidate must specify this when registering to take the test. If the candidate does not so specify, it will be assumed that the candidate is taking the test as an adult 21+ candidate, regardless of the candidate’s age.

D. Solo free dance tests may not serve as a test requirement for any partnered competition events.

Renumber rules 8362-8373.

Update adult solo free dance test naming conventions throughout rulebook, including rules 8391-8395, 8700, 8720 and 8740.


307. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rule 4201 (page 160 Rulebook), amend rules 6211-6212 (page 178 Rulebook), add rule 6233 (page 179 Rule-book), amend rule 6233 (page 179 Rulebook), amend rules 6305-6308 (pages 180-181 Rulebook), amend rules 6510-6520 (pages 199-200 Rulebook) and amend rules 7520-7530 (pages 231-232 Rulebook) as follows:

4201 In lieu of taking a free skate, pair or partnered free dance test at the juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior or senior levels, or an adult gold through adult senior free skate test, at a test session, candidates may elect to submit their protocol from a U.S. Figure Skating sanctioned nonqualifying competition conducted under the IJS, where they have met the minimum passing scores as defined in rule 4202. Skaters must have met the prerequisites for the test by the date of the competition and must have competed in the applicable event at the level they are wishing to pass (i.e. any skater who wishes to pass the juvenile free skate test at a competition must compete and earn the minimum passing scores in a juvenile/open juvenile free skate event).

6211 The standard free skate tests are divided into eight classes which must be taken in the following order: Free skate test Prerequisite Pre-preliminary free skate Pre-preliminary moves in the field test Preliminary free skate Preliminary moves in the field test and pre-preliminary free skate testPre-juvenile free skate Pre-juvenile moves in the field test and preliminary free skate test Juvenile free skate Juvenile moves in the field test and pre-juvenile free skate test

Intermediate free skate Intermediate moves in the field test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+ passing aver-age) and either the juvenile free skate or adult gold free skate test


Novice free skate Novice moves in the field test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+ passing average) and intermediate free skate test

Junior free skate Junior moves in the field test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+ passing average) and novice free skate test

Senior free skate Senior moves in the field test (standard, adult 25+ or adult 50+ passing average) and junior free skate test

A. Any free skate test may be taken only after the candidate has completed the required moves in the field test as listed in the prerequisite column above. No free skate test is a prerequisite to any moves in the field test.

6212 The adult free skate tests are divided into four eight classes which must be taken in the following order: pre-bronze, bronze, silver,and gold, intermediate, novice, junior and senior.Adult free skate test Prerequisite (same level moves in the field test and previous free skate test)Adult pre-bronze free skate

Adult pre-bronze moves in the field test or pre-preliminary moves in the field test

Adult bronze free skateAdult bronze moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or preliminary moves in the field test, and adult pre-bronze free skate test or pre-pre-liminary free skate test

Adult silver free skateAdult silver moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or pre-ju-venile moves in the field test, and adult bronze free skate test or preliminary free skate test

Adult gold free skate Adult gold moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or juvenile moves in the field test, and adult silver free skate test or pre-juvenile free skate test

Adult intermediate free skate

Adult intermediate moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or standard intermediate moves in the field test, and adult gold free skate test or juvenile free skate test

Adult novice free skateAdult novice moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or standard novice moves in the field test, and adult or standard intermediate free skate test

Adult junior free skate Adult junior moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or standard junior moves in the field test, and adult or standard novice free skate test

Adult senior free skate Adult senior moves in the field test (adult 21+ or adult 50+ passing average) or standard senior moves in the field test, and adult or standard junior free skate test

A. Any adult free skate test may be taken only after the candidate has completed the required moves in the field and free skate test as listed in the prerequisite column above. No free skate test is a prerequisite to any moves in the field test.

B. To qualify for any adult free skate test the candidate must be 21 years of age or older.C. Free skate equivalencies are allowed in one direction only from the standard track to the adult track, not from

the adult track to the standard track, except that adult skaters who have passed the adult gold free skate test are permitted to take the standard intermediate free skate test without testing the standard pre-preliminary through juvenile free skate tests.

6233 For adult candidates (adult intermediate through senior free skate tests), the candidate should show the same level of achievement as that of a standard candidate at one test level below.

6233 6234 Mandatory Deductions: A. If a skater fails to finish a free skate test program within the time duration allowed under rules 6412-6561, a pen-

alty of one point (-1) is deducted from the total for up to every 10 seconds lacking or in excess of the prescribed range.1. Adult intermediate and novice free skate tests must not exceed the maximum program length of the masters

intermediate-novice singles well-balanced free skate requirements in 6521. For these tests, no penalty is assessed for time durations less than the maximum program length. A penalty of one point (-1) is deducted from the total for up to every 10 seconds in excess of the maximum program length.

2. Adult junior and senior free skate tests must not exceed the maximum program length of the masters ju-nior-senior singles well-balanced free skate requirements in 6511. For these tests, no penalty is assessed for time durations less than the maximum program length. A penalty of one point (-1) is deducted from the total for up to every 10 seconds in excess of the maximum program length.

B. Illegal elements/movements: (see rule 6106), a penalty of one point (-1) is deducted from the total for each oc-currence

Renumber existing 6235-6237 as 6236-6238


6305 Intermediate Free Skate TestTest expectations: Strong, smooth edges and turns, combined with correct posture and effortless flow while utiliz-ing the music and the ice surface are expected of the candidate in all types of free skating elements (jumps, spins and connecting steps). See rule 6442 for element requirements and program duration. For adult intermediate free skate tests, see rules 6233 and 6234.A.1.Pass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points Distinction total: 7 to 9 points Judging panel required (standard and adult): Three silver or higher rank singles judges.

6306 Novice Free Skate TestTest expectations: The candidate must give a performance that is generally good. The preciseness of the footwork should be nearly faultless, body motions well timed with the music, and the flow and power very good in all free skating elements (jumps, spins and connecting steps). The program should fully utilize the ice surface, and no major or consistent errors should be in evidence. See rules 6432 (men) and 6433 (ladies) for element requirements and program duration. For adult novice free skate tests, see rules 6233 and 6234.A.1.Pass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points Distinction total: 7 to 9 points Judging panel required (standard and adult): Three silver or higher rank singles judges.

6307 Junior Free Skate Test Test expectations: The candidate must give a performance that is generally very good in all respects. Focus should be on power, flow, edge quality, line and footwork control. The program should demonstrate a good, harmonious composition that is skated to the music with rhythm and expression, while utilizing the full ice surface. See rule 6422 for element requirements and program duration. For adult junior free skate tests, see rules 6233 and 6234.A.2.Pass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points Distinction total: 7 to 9 pointsJudging panel required (standard and adult): Three gold singles judges.

6308 Senior Free Skate TestTest expectations: The candidate must give an excellent performance displaying power, strong edge control and depth, extension and precise footwork control in all aspects of the selected elements. The program should fully uti-lize the ice surface, have a change of pace and superbly express the mood and rhythm of music. Harmonious steps and connecting movements in time to the music should be maintained throughout the program. See rule 6412 for element requirements and program duration. For adult senior free skate tests, see rules 6233 and 6234.A.2.Pass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points Distinction total: 7 to 9 pointsJudging panel required (standard and adult): Three gold singles judges.

6510 Championship Masters Junior-Senior Singles and Masters Junior-Senior SinglesTest qualifications, as of the closing date for entries, skaters must have passed at least one of the following:A. The adult or standard novice free skate test;B. Prior to Oct. 1, 1977, the 4th figure test;C. On or after Oct. 1, 1977, and prior to Oct. 1, 1979, the 8th figure test.

6520 Championship Masters Intermediate-Novice Singles and Masters Intermediate-Novice SinglesTest qualifications, as of the closing date for entries:A. Skaters must have passed at least one of the following:

1. The adult or standard intermediate free skate test2. Prior to Oct. 1, 1977, the 3rd figure test;3. On or after Oct. 1, 1977, and prior to Oct. 1, 1979, the 8th figure test.

B. Skaters must not have passed:1. On or after Oct. 1, 1977, and prior to Oct. 1, 1991, higher than the standard junior free skate test2. On or after Oct. 1, 1991, higher than the adult or standard novice free skate test.


7520 Masters PairsA. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entries: Both partners must have passed at least one of the following

tests:1. The adult gold pair test,2. The standard juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior or senior/gold pair test,3. Prior to 1989, the standard bronze, silver or gold pair test,4. The adult or standard intermediate, novice, junior or senior free skate test.

7530 Adult Gold PairsTest qualifications as of the closing date for entries:A. Both partners must have passed at least one of the following tests:

1. The adult silver or adult gold pair test;2. The adult gold free skate test;3. The standard juvenile, intermediate or, prior to 1989, bronze pair test;4. The standard juvenile free skate test or the adult or standard , intermediate or novice free skate test.

B. Neither partner may have passed:1. Higher than the intermediate pairs test;2. Prior to 1989, higher than the standard bronze pair test;3. Higher than the adult or standard novice free skate test.


308. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rules 8700, 8720 and 8740 (pages 283-285, Rulebook) as follows:

8700 Adult Gold Solo Free Dance Event A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entries, skaters must have passed at least one of the following:

1. The complete standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ solo or partnered pre-gold pattern dance test; 2. The standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ senior solo free dance test; 3. The senior partnered free dance test; 4. The adult 21+ or adult 50+ gold partnered free dance test.

B. Men and ladies will compete against one another in these events. C. Judging and marking will be as specified in the Solo Dance Competition Series Complete Handbook, posted on


8720 Adult Silver Solo Free Dance Event A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entries

1. Skaters must have passed at least one of the following: a. The complete standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ solo or partnered pre-silver pattern dance test; b. The standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ novice solo free dance test; c. The novice partnered free dance test; d. The adult 21+ or adult 50+ silver partnered free dance test.

2. Skaters must not have passed: a. Higher than one standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ solo or partnered gold pattern dance test; b. Higher than the standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ junior solo free dance test; c. Higher than the junior partnered free dance test;.d. Higher than the adult 21+ or adult 50+ silver free dance test.



8740 Adult Bronze Solo Free Dance Event A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entries,

1. Skaters must have passed at least one of the following: a. The complete standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ solo or partnered pre-bronze pattern dance test; b. The standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ juvenile solo free dance test; c. The juvenile partnered free dance test; d. The adult 21+ or adult 50+ bronze partnered free dance test.


2. Skaters must not have passed: a. Higher than one standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ solo or partnered silver pattern dance test; b. Higher than the standard, adult 21+ or adult 50+ intermediate solo free dance test; c. Higher than the intermediate partnered free dance test; d. Higher than the adult 21+ or adult 50+ bronze silver partnered free dance test.




309. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rule 2552 (pages 141-142 Rulebook) as follows:

2552 There will be age classes for all nonqualifying free skate, dramatic entertainment, and light entertainment and solo dance events (does not include pair events, championship events or partnered or solo dance events).A. The age classes are as follows:

1. Age classes for free skate, dramatic entertainment and light entertainment events:Class I: 21 years through 35 years Class II: 36 years through 45 years Class III: 46 years through 55 years Class IV: 56 years through 65 years Class V: 66 years and over

2. Age classes for solo pattern dance and solo free dance events:Class I/II: 21 years through 45 years Class III/IV/V: 46 years and over

AB. Proof of age is required. BC. At the chief referee’s discretion, age class events with fewer than six entries may be combined, after consultation

with the national vice chair for adult championships and the chair of the Competitions Committee.


310. APPROVED – Adult Skating CommitteeAmend rule 2405 (C) (pages 137 Rulebook) as follows:

2405 Competitors: C. May not enter an adult level a championship event at a an adult-track qualifying competition (adult section-

als/U.S. Adult Championships) and a standard level qualifying event at a standard-track qualifying competition (regionals/sectionals/U.S. Championships) in the same kind of event (i.e. free skate, ice dance) in the same competition season. For example, a skater may not enter novice men’s free skate on the at a standard-track qualifying competition and championship masters intermediate-novice men’s free skate on the at an adult-track qualifying competition in the same season. However, a skater but may enter novice men’s free skate on the at a standard-track qualifying competition and masters intermediate-novice men’s free skate (not a championship event) or championship masters pairs (different category) on the at an adult-track qualifying competition in the same season.


311. APPROVED AS AMENDED – Competitions CommitteeAdd an apprentice accountant appointment to rules CR 7.02 (page 45, Rulebook), CR 7.03 (E) (page 45, Rulebook), CR 7.08 (page 46, Rulebook), CR 7.12 (page 47, Rulebook) and CR 7.25 (page 47, Rulebook) as follows:

CR 7.02 Recommendations for national, sectional, regional and certified 6.0 singles/pairs referees; national and sectional dance referees; national and sectional synchronized skating referees; national showcase referees; national Theatre On Ice referees; and national, sectional, regional, and certified 6.0 and apprentice accountants may be made in writing by any of the following: Subparagraphs are unchanged by this proposal.


CR 7.03 Recommendations for appointment for: E. National, sectional, regional, and certified 6.0 and apprentice accountant; national, sectional and regional music

coordinator; and national, sectional, regional and nonqualifying announcer should include: a summary of the candi-date’s qualifications (e.g. experience, temperament, competitions attended, U.S. Figure Skating number, etc.). 1. A candidate for national or sectional accountant must have attended at least one sanctioned accountant’s school

or seminar or maintained the number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required by the Competitions Com-mittee during the preceding four-year period.

2. A candidate for regional or certified 6.0 accountant must have attended a sanctioned accountant’s school. 3. An apprentice accountant must have a mentor who will monitor their progress toward a regional or certified 6.0

appointment.

CR 7.08 The recommendations for sectional, regional, and certified 6.0 and apprentice appointments should be sent: C. For sectional, regional, or certified 6.0 or apprentice accountant: to the appropriate sectional vice chair for accoun-

tants of the Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management Committee.

CR 7.12 Prospective Referees and Prospective Apprentice AccountantsProspective referees must register as such with U.S. Figure Skating headquarters. Prospective Apprentice accountants must register with the appropriate sectional vice chair for accountants. The sectional vice chair will, upon acceptance of the candidate, forward the registration to U.S. Figure Skating headquarters and send a copy to the national vice chair for accountants.

CR 7.25 Member clubs or interclub associations which host sanctioned referees or accountants schools or seminars, or the referees or accountants in charge of the event shall must, within four weeks after the closing date of the school or seminar, furnish the appropriate national vice chair a report of the school or seminar, including a list of all persons partic-ipating or in attendance, including the registration number of each referee, prospective referee or accountant prospective referee or prospective accountant. Such a list shall must also be sent to U.S. Figure Skating headquarters.

Implementation date: June 1, 2019

312. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend rule TMR 6.03 (page 10, Nov. 10, 2018, Report of Action taken by the Board of Directors) as follows:(Note: The proposal below clarifies the language that was approved in Item 31.)

TMR 6.03 Davis & White Global Achievement Excellence Award. A. Awarded annually to a couple who places in the top four of the championship ice dance event at the U.S. Figure Skat-

ing Championships at the end of the competition each season that a U.S. ice dance team qualifies for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final and competes in the championship event at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. and earns the highest ranking points based on the following formula:

B. The award is based on the ISU Season’s World Ranking Points from the following events:1. Most recent ISU World Figure Skating Championships;2. Two ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series events from the current season;3. ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final from the current season. To be eligible for the award, the team must have

qualified for the Grand Prix Final for that season;4. The current U.S. Figure Skating Championship, with the points equal to that for an equivalent placement at the

Grand Prix Final.C. The points from the ISU events in subparagraphs (B)(1)-(3) will be added to points awarded from the U.S. Figure

Skating Championships in subparagraph (B)(4).1. The couples will be awarded points for their placements at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The points

awarded will equal the ISU Season’s World Ranking Points for an equivalent placement at the Grand Prix Final.2. The points earned in paragraph 1 will be added to each couple’s ISU Season’s World Ranking Points as of the

first day of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.3. The points earned in paragraphs 1 and 2 will be added to each couple’s ISU Points from the most recent World

Figure Skating Championships.4. The team with the highest total of ranking points from paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above will be awarded the trophy.

B. The trophy will be presented during the exhibition of champions so as not to compete with the championship awards.CD. The Davis & White Global Achievement Excellence Award will reside at the U.S. Figure Skating Museum and Hall

of Fame, and the winners’ names will be engraved and added to the base each year. A token award will be given to each skater from the couple who earns the trophy.



313. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend rule 1403 (D) (page 124, Rulebook) as follows:

1403 Allowance of a Delayed Start or Restart – Singles/Pairs/DanceD. If, in the opinion of the event referee, medical attention is required (mandatory for possible head injury or con-

cern of concussion), the event referee must stop the performance. No deduction as per rule 1403 (C) applies. The event referee, after consulting with medical personnel, if available, will decide if the competitor(s) is fit to continue their program with no further risk to themselves or their partner/teammates, if applicable. There will be a maximum of a three minute allowance for evaluation before the event referee will be required to make their decision. If the event referee determines the competitor is not fit to continue, the competitor will be considered withdrawn.


314. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend rule 1404 (D) (page 125, Rulebook) as follows:

1404 Allowance of a Delayed Start or Restart – Synchronized SkatingD. If, in the opinion of the event referee or assistant referee – ice, medical attention is required (mandatory for

possible head injury or concern of concussion), the referee must stop the performance. No deduction as per rule 1404 (C) applies. The event referee, after consulting with medical personnel, if available, will decide if the skater is fit to continue the program with no further risk to themselves or their teammates. There will be a maximum of a three-minute allowance for evaluation before the event referee will be required to make their decision. If the event referee determines the competitor is not fit to continue, another competitor may be substituted per rule 1404 (F). If the event referee determines the competitor is fit to continue, rule 1404 (C)(2) will apply.


315. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend rule 3032 (C) (page 154, Rulebook) as follows:

3032 For all sanctioned, nonqualifying competitions, the local organizing committee must select the following offi-cials: C. Technical Panel Officials (for IJS events only, see rule 2133) to include at a minimum:

1. Technical controller 2. Technical specialist 3. Assistant technical specialist

In an emergency situation, when a shortage of technical panel personnel arises during a competition due to an unforeseen circumstance, the chief referee may assign one technical controller and one technical specialist to the technical panel.


316. REFERRED TO THE DOMESTIC OFFICIALS RECRUITMENT AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE – Competitions Committee

Amend rule 2131 (page 131, Rulebook, and page 78, 2017-18 Combined Report of Action) as follows:

2131 Levels of Referees and Accountants for Qualifying Competitions Competition Referee Assistant Referees Dance Referees U.S. Pairs Final & U.S. Dance Final National

Sectional National Sectional

National Sectional

Sectional Pairs Challenge & Sec-tional Dance Challenge

National Sectional Regional

National Sectional Regional

National Sectional

Implementation date: Not applicable


317. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend rule 2132 (page 132, Rulebook, and page 79, 2017-18 Combined Report of Action) as follows:

2132 Levels and Numbers of Judges for Qualifying CompetitionsCompetition Judge –

Singles/Pairs (S/P) Events Judge – Dance Events

U.S. Pairs Final & U.S. Dance Final National S/P Sectional S/P

National Dance Sectional Dance Novice Sectional Dance* *Novice and lower events only

Sectional Pairs Challenge & Sectional Dance Challenge

National S/P Sectional S/P Regional S/P

National Dance Sectional Dance Novice Sectional Dance* *Novice and lower events only


318. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAdd rule 2405 (E) (page 137, Rulebook) as follows:

2405 Competitors: E. Must state whether or not they will skate in their event(s) if they qualify to compete in the Sectional Singles

Final, U.S. Pairs Final or U.S. Dance Final by virtue of their placement in the National Qualifying Series. The statement is binding.


319. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend rules 2471 (G) and 2473 (G) (pages 139-140, Rulebook, and page 82, 2017-18 Combined Report of Action) as follows:

2470 Qualifying for the Sectional Singles Final, U.S. Pairs Final and U.S. Dance FinalTo qualify for the Sectional Singles Final, U.S. Pairs Final or U.S. Dance Final, all competitors must be entered to compete through the online registration process as described in rule 2401 by the deadline of Sept. 1. Failure to do so will result in the competitor(s) not being entered nor allowed to compete at these competitions for the current season.

2471 Singles competitors qualify for the Sectional Singles Final by:A. Placing in the top six of athletes in their section, in their level, at the National Qualifying Series;B. Placing in the top four at a regional singles challenge;C. For junior or senior events, any Team USA skater, defined in ICR 3.04, who has been assigned to an international

competition, and competes in that event; regardless of whether it conflicts with their regional challenge;D. Having four or fewer entries in their event at a regional singles challenge or having 12 or fewer entries in their

event in all regional singles challenges within their section;E. Having won the U.S. Championships at the junior level in the previous season, if competing at the junior level

this season;F. Having won the sectional singles final at the senior level the previous season;G. Competitors qualifying under (A) or (C) through (F) have the choice to compete at their Regional Singles Chal-

lenge but do not lose their bye to the Sectional Singles Final, regardless of placement, nor displace a skater who would have placed in the top four at the Regional Singles Challenge if said skater had not competed.

2473 Pairs and Dance competitors qualify for the U.S. Pairs Final and U.S. Dance Final by:A. Placing in the top three, of all teams nationwide, in their level, at the National Qualifying Series;B. Placing in the top five at a sectional pairs or sectional dance challenge;C. For junior or senior events, any Team USA team, defined in ICR 3.04, that has been assigned to an international

competition, and competes in that event; regardless of whether it conflicts with their sectional challenge;D. For junior or senior events, having five or fewer entries in their event at a sectional pairs or dance challenge, or

having 15 or fewer entries in their event in all sectional challenges nationwide;E. Having won the U.S. Championships at the junior level in the previous season, if competing at the junior level

this season;F. Having won the U.S. Pairs or Dance Final at the senior level the previous season;


G. Competitors qualifying under (A) or (C) through (F) have the choice to compete at their sectional pairs or dance challenge but do not lose their bye to the U.S. Pairs or Dance Final, regardless of placement, nor displace a team who might place in the top five if said team was not entered.


320. APPROVED AS AMENDED – Competitions CommitteeReplace rules 2500-2523 (pages 140-141, Rulebook, and page 83-84, 2017-18 Combined Report of Action) as follows:

2500 Qualifying for the U.S. Figure Skating ChampionshipsTo qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, all competitors must be entered to compete through the online registration process as described in rule 2401 by the deadline of Sept. 1. Failure to do so will result in the competitor(s) not being entered nor allowed to compete at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships for the current season.

2501 Singles competitors qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships:A. For the junior events by:

1. Placing in the top 4 in junior at their respective Sectional Singles Final;2. Placing in the top 2 in novice at their respective Sectional Singles Final;3. Earning a bye:

a. For qualifying to compete in the same event at the Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final;b. As a member of the United States Figure Skating Team who meets the approved criteria per rule 2511.Competitors qualifying under this subparagraph (3) have the choice to compete at their Sectional Singles Fi-nal but do not lose their bye to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, regardless of placement, nor displace a skater who would have placed in the top four at the Sectional Singles Final if said skater had not competed. At such final the top four places plus the byed competitor(s) will advance to the U.S. Figure Skating Cham-pionships.

B. For the senior events by meeting the minimum required technical score per rule 2505 and:1. Placing in the top 4 in senior at their respective Sectional Singles Final;2. Earning a bye:

a. For placing in the top five in the same event at last year’s U.S. Figure Skating Championships; b. For winning a medal in the same event at the most recent World Championships;c. For winning a medal in the same event at the most recent Olympic Winter Games;d. For qualifying to compete in the same event at the Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final or Grand

Prix of Figure Skating Final;e. As a member of the United States Figure Skating Team who meets the approved criteria per rule 2511.Competitors qualifying under this subparagraph (2) have the choice to compete at their Sectional Singles Fi-nal but do not lose their bye to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, regardless of placement, nor displace a skater who would have placed in the top four at the Sectional Singles Final if said skater had not competed. At such final the top four places plus the byed competitor(s) will advance to the U.S. Figure Skating Cham-pionships, provided that all meet the minimum technical score per rule 2505.

2502 Pairs teams qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships:A. For the junior events by:

1. Placing in the top 12 in junior at the U.S. Pairs Final;2. Earning a bye:

a. For qualifying to compete in the same event at the Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final;b. As a member of the United States Figure Skating Team who meets the approved criteria per rule 2511.Teams qualifying under this subparagraph (2) have the choice to compete at the U.S. Pairs Final but do not lose their bye to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, regardless of placement, nor displace a team who would have placed in the top 12 at the U.S. Pairs Final if said team had not competed. At such final the top 12 places plus the byed competitor(s) will advance to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

B. For the senior events by meeting the minimum required technical score per rule 2505 and:1. Placing in the top 12 in senior at the U.S. Pairs Final;2. Earning a bye:


Prix of Figure Skating Final;e. As a member of the United States Figure Skating Team who meets the approved criteria per rule 2511.


Teams qualifying under this subparagraph (2) have the choice to compete at the U.S. Pairs Final but do not lose their bye to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, regardless of placement, nor displace a team who would have placed in the top 12 at the U.S. Pairs Final if said team had not competed. At such final the top 12 places plus the byed competitor(s) will advance to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, provided that all meet the minimum technical score per rule 2505.

2503 Ice dance couples qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships:A. For the junior events by:

1. Placing in the top 12 in junior at the U.S. Dance Final;2. Earning a bye:

a. For qualifying to compete in the same event at the Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final;b. As a member of the United States Figure Skating Team who meets the approved criteria per rule 2511.Couples qualifying under this subparagraph (2) have the choice to compete at the U.S. Dance Final but do not lose their bye to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, regardless of placement, nor displace a couple who would have placed in the top 12 at the U.S. Dance Final if said couple had not competed. At such final the top 12 places plus the byed competitor(s) will advance to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

B. For the senior events by meeting the minimum required technical score per rule 2505 and:1. Placing in the top 12 in senior at the U.S. Dance Final;2. Earning a bye:


Prix of Figure Skating Final;e. As a member of the United States Figure Skating Team who meets the approved criteria per rule 2511.Couple qualifying under this subparagraph (2) have the choice to compete at the U.S. Dance Final but do not lose their bye to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, regardless of placement, nor displace a couple who would have placed in the top 12 at the U.S. Dance Final if said couple had not competed. At such final the top 12 places plus the byed competitor(s) will advance to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, provided that all meet the minimum technical score per rule 2505.

2504 Fill-up Rule: There will be no fill-ups to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.2505 Minimum Technical Score:

A. Competitors who qualify for the senior events at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships through rule 2501 (B), rule 2502 (B) or rule 2503 (B) must also have met a minimum total element score (TES) at one of the following competitions in the same season: Any National Qualifying Series event, a Regional Singles Challenge, a Sectional Singles Final, a Sectional Pairs or Dance Challenge, the U.S. Pairs or Dance Final or any ISU competition.

B. The minimum TES will be determined annually. It is recommended by the appropriate discipline committee and must be approved by the Board of Directors by Sept. 1. Once approved, the minimum TES for each discipline will be published on usfigureskating.org in a Technical Notification.

2510 Byes to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships2511 Prior to June 1 each season, the chair of the Competitions Committee, the chair of the International Committee,

and the chair or chair’s designee of the Athletes Advisory Committee will present the bye criteria to the Athletes Advisory Committee and, subsequently, the Board of Directors for approval. The complete approved criteria will be posted on usfsaonline.org.A. Any member of the United States Figure Skating Team as defined in rule ICR 3.04 who meets the approved

criteria will earn a bye.2512 Skaters earning a bye per rules 2501 (B)(2)(a)(b) or (c), 2502 (B)(2)(a)(b) or (c) or 2502 (B)(2)(a)(b) or (c) must

submit a signed Statement of Intent to compete in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at least 60 days prior to the competition. The form will be provided by U.S. figure Skating headquarters to all qualified skaters. Those who do not meet this requirement will be considered withdrawn.

2513 No medical byes will be granted to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.2520 Alternates2521 For the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, there are no alternates for the championship (senior events). Alternates

for the junior events are designated as follows:A. Singles skaters placing fifth and sixth in junior in their sectional challenge will be designated as first and second

alternate for their section to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.B. Singles skaters placing third and fourth in novice in their sectional challenge will be designated as first and second

alternate for their section to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.C. Pairs and dance teams placing 13th and 14th in the U.S. Pairs Final and U.S. Dance Final will be designated as

first and second alternate to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.2522 Alternates should continue to train and be prepared should they become eligible to compete.


2523 Alternates may be selected up to 24 hours before the start of the affected skater’s first competitive event.2524 Notice to alternates or, if they cannot be reached, to their coach or club president must be by email or phone call,

followed by an email response. Response is required within 12 hours of receipt of the notice, or the next alternate will be contacted.


321. REFERRED TO THE SYNCHRONIZED SKATING DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEE – Competitions Committee and Synchronized Skating Competitions Subcommittee

Amend rule 2823 (page 146, Rulebook) as follows:

2820 Rosters, Substitutes, Alternates and Crossover Skaters2823 In each qualifying competition a team may must skate the number of members permitted required for its level as

specified in rules 9400 through 9530. If a team does not complete its program with the minimum number of required skaters per 9400-9530, no marks are to be awarded, and the team is considered withdrawn. However, the team will be permitted to finish the performance as an exhibition. A team is permitted to skate a different number of skaters at each qualifying competition subject to adherence to rules 2821 and 2828.


322. APPROVED – Competitions CommitteeAmend Rule 1041 (page 112, Rulebook) as follows:

1041 The International Judging System (IJS) and 6.0 majority system will be used as follows:C. Nonqualifying competitions may use the IJS, the 6.0 system or a combination of both.

1. The IJS must be used for all singles and synchronized short program and well-balanced free skate events for juvenile and above except as follows:a. The 6.0 system may be used for all levels of high school, intercollegiate and State Games competitions. b. The 6.0 system may be used for all adult well-balanced free skate events. c. The 6.0 system may be used for all open well-balanced free skate events.

2. The 6.0 system may be used for all pre-juvenile and lower free skate events, Excel Program events, show-case events, Compete USA events, Theatre On Ice events, adaptive skating events, solo dance events, part-nered dance events, pairs events, pre-juvenile and lower and open synchronized skating events, and specialty events (spins, compulsory moves, jumps, etc.).


323. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8000 (page 241, Rulebook) as follows:

8000 Ice Dance Rules U.S. Figure Skating reserves the right to incorporate revisions made by the ISU for junior and senior events. U.S. Figure Skating also reserves the right to incorporate revisions made to the ISU advanced novice dance event into the U.S. novice dance events. The revisions or clarifications made to the international judging system by the ISU may be adopted by U.S. Figure Skating at its discretion at any time after the revision or clarification is issued. For novice events, revisions or clarifications will be posted as Technical Notifications on usfigureskating.org and, when applicable, published in the next U.S. Figure Skating rulebook. A. The chair of the Dance Development & Technical Committee, in consultation with the national vice chair of

technical panel officials on the Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management Committee, will prepare the list of well-balanced program elements for qualifying IJS levels to correspond with the elements available each year. The list will be published as a Technical Notification on the U.S. Figure Skating website within 15 days of publication of the corresponding ISU Communication.



324. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8431, Novice Pattern Dances (page 274, Rulebook) as follows:

8431 Selection of Novice Pattern Dances For each competition season, the following groups of two pattern dances will alternate in the order shown:, the chair of the Dance Development & Technical Committee will announce the pattern dances for the upcoming competitive season no later than 15 days after publication of the ISU Communication announcing the pattern dances for interna-tional dance competitions.A. 2019-20 Group B – Westminster Waltz, Kilian

1. Each couple may provide their own music for each dance. See rule 8031 (B) for requirements. 2. The dances will be skated in the order listed. 3. Draw for the skating order of the couples will be made in accordance with rules 2722, 2723 and 8074. 4. The number of sequences of each dance will be as specified in rule 8075.

B. 2020-21 Group C – Viennese Waltz, BluesC. 2021-22 Group D – Argentine Tango, Quickstep D. 2022-2023 Group A – Starlight Waltz, Paso Doble


325. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8412, Senior Free Dance Test (page 271, Rulebook) as follows:

8412 Elements for Senior Free Dance 2018-19* and Senior Free Dance Test*This has not been updated for the 2019-20 season.

SENIOR FREE DANCE & FREE DANCE TEST4:00 +/- 10 seconds

PROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following elements in any order

Test: Must contain the following elements in any order

DANCE LIFTS

Not more than:- One short lift and one combination lift (the type of the short lift must be different from the type(s) of short lifts forming the combination lift)

OR- Three different types of short liftsCombination lift may be held for up to 12 secondsShort lifts may be held for up to seven seconds each

Either one short lift and one combination lift or three different types of short lifts. •The combination lift (up to 12 seconds) can be

chosen from any combination lift, but the type of short lift must be different from the type(s) of short lifts forming the combination lift.

•The short lifts (up to seven seconds each) are stationary, straight line, curve or rotational lift.

Same as competition program requirements

DANCE SPINS

One dance spin (spin or combination spin) but not more•If spin, must have a minimum of three revolu-

tions on one foot by both partners•If spin combination, must have a minimum of

three revolutions in either part by both partners

One dance spin or combination spin• If spin, minimum three revolutions on one

foot by each partner• If combination spin, minimum three revo-

lutions on one foot by each partner for each part, and maximum one-half rotation on two feet while changing feet simultaneously by both



SENIOR FREE DANCE & FREE DANCE TEST4:00 +/- 10 seconds



STEP SEQUENCES

One step sequence in hold (Style B) (straight line or curved)

ANDOne combination one foot step sequence (turns performed simultaneously on one foot by each partner, not touching)•Specifications of Style B: •One pattern retrogression is permitted, but no

more. If performed, it must not exceed two measures of music.

•Separations are permitted provided they are no more than two arms lengths in distance and do not exceed five seconds in duration.

•Loops are not permitted, but a narrow loop is an acceptable shape in the retrogression.

•Stops are not permitted. Dance spins and pirouettes are stops

•Hand-in-hand hold not permitted with fully extended arms.

•The pattern of the step sequence (Style B) must maintain the integrity or basic shape of the chosen pattern. Some deviations in the chosen pattern are expected in order to com-plete the required turns.

Two different types of step sequencesMust follow competition requirementsSame as competition program requirements•The step sequence(s) should include a variety

of steps and turns and must include brackets, counters, rockers, choctaws and twizzles exe-cuted by both partners.

TWIZZLES One combination set of synchronized twizzles•At least two twizzles for each partner skated

simultaneously with up to three steps in be-tween twizzles. Partners may be in hold during connecting steps.

One combination set of synchronized twizzlesSame as competition program requirements•Minimum two revolutions in each twizzle by

both partners.

CHOREO-GRAPHIC ELEMENT

Three different choreographic elements:•One of which must be a choreographic charac-

ter step sequence.•Two additional chosen from:•Choreographic dance lift•Choreographic sliding movement •Choreographic spinning movement•Choreographic twizzling movement

ADDITION-AL INFORMA-TION

•Required elements may be skated anywhere in the program except in the required step se-quences

•See rule 8095 for additional free dance rules•See rule 8098 for a list of illegal elements/

movements•See the Dance Glossary for descriptions of

specific elements•See usfigureskating.org for the Scale of Values,

calling specifications and judging instructions

•Required elements may be skated anywhere in the program except in the required step se-quences

•Extra elements may be added without penalty•See the Dance Glossary for descriptions of

specific elements•Two different elements may be reskated, if

necessary



326. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8422, Junior Free Dance Test (page 273, Rulebook) as follows:

8422 Elements for Junior Free Dance 2018-19* and Junior Free Dance Test*This has not been updated for the 2019-20 season.

JUNIOR FREE DANCE & FREE DANCE TEST3:30 +/- 10 seconds



DANCE LIFTS Not more than:- One combination lift

OR- Two different types of short liftsCombination lift may be held for up to 12 secondsShort lifts may be held for up to seven seconds each

Either one combination lift or two different types of short lifts. •The combination lift (up to 12

seconds) can be chosen from any combination lift.

•The short lifts (up to seven seconds each) are stationary, straight line, curve or rotational lift.


DANCE SPINS One dance spin (spin or combination spin) but not more•If spin, must have a minimum of three revolutions on

one foot by both partners•If spin combination, must have a minimum of three

revolutions in either part by both partners

One dance spin or combination spin•If spin, minimum three revolutions

on one foot by each partner•If combination spin, minimum three

revolutions on one foot by each partner for each part, and maximum one-half rotation on two feet while changing feet simultaneously by both


STEP SEQUENCE One step sequence in hold (Style B) (straight line or curved)

ANDOne combination one foot step sequence (turns performed simultaneously on one foot by each partner, not touching)•Specifications of Style B: •One pattern retrogression is permitted, but no more.

If performed, it must not exceed two measures of music.

•Separations are permitted provided they are no more than two arms lengths in distance and do not exceed five seconds in duration.

•Loops are not permitted, but a narrow loop is an acceptable shape in the retrogression.


•Hand-in-hand hold not permitted with fully extend-ed arms.

•The pattern of the step sequence (Style B) must maintain the integrity or basic shape of the chosen pattern. Some deviations in the chosen pattern are expected in order to complete the required turns.

One step sequence (in hold) straight line or curved•Must follow competition require-

ments for step sequence in holdSame as competition program

requirementsThe step sequence(s) should include a

variety of steps and turns and must include brackets, counters, rockers and choctaws executed by both partners.

TWIZZLES One combination set of synchronized twizzles•At least two twizzles for each partner skated simul-

taneously with up to three steps in between twizzles. Partners may be in hold during connecting steps.

One combination set of synchronized twizzlesSame as competition program

requirements•Minimum two revolutions in each

twizzle by both partners.CHOREOGRA-PHIC ELEMENT

•Two different choreographic elements chosen from:•Choreographic character step sequence•Choreographic dance lift•Choreographic sliding movement •Choreographic spinning movement•Choreographic twizzling movement


JUNIOR FREE DANCE & FREE DANCE TEST3:30 +/- 10 seconds



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

•Required elements may be skated anywhere in the program except in the required step sequences

•See rule 8095 for additional free dance rules•See rule 8098 for a list of illegal elements/movements•See the Dance Glossary for descriptions of specific

elements•See usfigureskating.org for the Scale of Values, call-

ing specifications and judging instructions


•Extra elements may be added without penalty

•See the Dance Glossary for descrip-tions of specific elements

•Two different elements may be re-skated, if necessary


327. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8432, Novice Free Dance, (page 274, Rulebook) as follows:

8432 Elements for Novice Free Dance 2018-19* and Novice Free Dance TestThis has not been updated for the 2019-20 season.

NOVICE FREE DANCE & FREE DANCE TEST3:00 +/- 10 seconds



DANCE LIFTS Not more than one combination lift or two different types of short lifts•Combination lift may be held for up to 12 seconds•Short lifts may be held for up to seven seconds each

Either one combination lift or two different types of short lifts. •The combination lift (up to 12

seconds) can be chosen from any combination lift.

•The short lifts (up to seven seconds each) can be chosen from stationary, straight line, curve or rotational lift.

Same as competition program require-ments

DANCE SPINS Maximum of one dance spin (spin or combination spin)•If spin, must have a minimum of three revolutions on one

foot by both partners•If spin combination, must have a minimum of three revo-

lutions in either part by both partners

One dance spin or combination spin•If spin, minimum three revolutions

on one foot by each partner•If combination, minimum three rev-

olutions on one foot by each partner for each part, and maximum one-half rotation on two feet while changing feet simultaneously by both



NOVICE FREE DANCE & FREE DANCE TEST3:00 +/- 10 seconds



STEP SEQUENCES

Maximum of two step sequences•One must be a midline step sequence in hold or not

touching or a combination of both•One must be circular, midline, diagonal or serpentine in

hold•One must be a choreographic character step sequence•Both must utilize the full ice surface•The midline step sequence will be skated as a choreo-

graphic step sequence.•The step sequence in hold must be skated in dance

holds or variations thereof, except hand-in-hand hold in sustained position with fully extended arms and will be called using Style B specifications:•One pattern retrogression is permitted, but no more. If

performed, it must not exceed two measures of music.•Separations are permitted provided they are no more

than two arms lengths in distance and do not exceed five seconds in duration.

•Loops are not permitted, but a narrow loop is an accept-able shape in the retrogression.


•Hand-in-hand hold not permitted with fully extended arms.

• Step sequences may be performed in any order• Dance spins and pirouettes are stops

One step sequence (in hold) from the following list: circular, midline, diagonal or serpentine. Must utilize full ice surfaceSame as competition program

requirements•Should include a variety of steps and

turns and must include three-turns, mohawks, brackets and counters executed by both partners.

•An additional step sequence (in hold or not touching) is permitted and may be performed before or after the required step sequence in hold.

TWIZZLES Maximum of one combination set of synchronized twizzles•At least two twizzles for each partner skated simultane-

ously with up to three steps in between twizzles. Partners may be in hold during connecting steps.

One combination set of synchronized twizzlesSame as competition program requirements•Minimum two revolutions in each

twizzle by both partners.ADDITIONAL INFORMA-TION

•Required elements may be skated anywhere in the pro-gram except in the required step sequences

•See rule 8095 for additional free dance rules•See rule 8098 for a list of illegal elements/movements•See the Dance Glossary for descriptions of specific ele-

ments•See usfigureskating.org for the Scale of Values, calling

specifications and judging instructions


•Extra elements may be added with-out penalty


•Two different elements may be reskated, if necessary


328. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8442, Intermediate Free Dance Test, Additional Information (page 275, Rulebook) as follows:

8442 Elements for Intermediate Free Dance and Intermediate Free Dance TestINTERMEDIATE FREE DANCE & FREE DANCE TEST

2:30 +/- 10 secondsPROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following elements in

any orderTest: Must contain the following elements in any order




elements•See usfigureskating.org for the Scale of Values, calling





•Two different elements may be reskat-ed, if necessary



329. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8452, Juvenile Free Dance Test, Additional Information (page 276, Rulebook) as follows:

8452 Elements for Juvenile Free Dance and Juvenile Free Dance TestJUVENILE FREE DANCE & FREE DANCE TEST

2:15 +/- 10 secondsPROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following elements in

any orderTest: Must contain the following elements in any order




elements•See usfigureskating.org for the Scale of Values, calling





•Two different elements may be re-skated, if necessary


330. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeClarify, amend and add to solo free dance definitions (rules 8372 and 8373, page 266 Rulebook) as follows:

8372 Jumps of more than one-half revolution, two or more consecutive ½ revolution jumps, or split jumps where the legs are spread more than 45 degrees are not permitted.

8373 Definitions and Descriptions A. Description of Edge Elements:

1. Short Edge Elements: A short edge element is a movement where the skater must hold a continuous sustained edge (one lobe) in any selected position. A short edge element must be held for at least three seconds but not more than six seven seconds. Turns are not permitted except on the entry or exit of the element. The primary focus is on the quality of edge, and the secondary focus is on the position attained. Some examples include but are not limited to: a. One foot glide in attitude position b. Shoot the duck c. Spirals in varied positionsd. Crouch with one leg extended e. Spread eagle f. Ina Bauer g. Hydroblade movements h. Pivoti. Lunge

2. Combination Edge Elements: A combination edge element consists of two short edge elements performed consecutively that progress on two separate curves to form a serpentine-like (S-shaped) pattern. The short edge on each lobe must be held in position for at least three seconds, but a long edge element may not exceed 12 seconds. A change of position is not required for each portion of the long edge element. A turn of no more than one-half revolution is allowed between each short edge element. A change of foot is permitted between each short edge element. A turn on the entry or exit is permitted. The primary focus is on the quality of edge for each part, and the secondary focus is on the positions attained.

B. Definition of Twizzle Series: At least two twizzles executed in succession with up to three steps between twiz-zles.

C. Definition of Choreographic Solo Dance Spins: A choreographic solo dance spin is on one foot only. It must have a minimum of three revolutions and may include any number of changes of position. A combination spin must have a change of foot with a minimum of three revolutions on each foot, and may contain any number of posi-tions on either foot. This element should relate to the music and enhance the overall program. No flying entries are permitted on any dance spin.


D. Choreographic Character Step Sequence: Performed anywhere in the program, a step sequence that must be placed around the Short Axis and proceed from barrier to barrier. The Choreographic Step Sequence must begin with the skater coming to a full stop near the barrier on either side of the rink near the red line. A stop is not required to show the ending of the element. The pattern of the Choreographic Character Step Sequence may vary from the Short Axis up to 10 meters on either side of the Short Axis. Definition of Choreographic Stop: A choreographic dance stop is performed to express the character of the music through movements or dancing in place. The stop should be for a minimum of three seconds but not to exceed five seconds.


331. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend solo free dance test requirements (rules 8391-8395, pages 268-269, Rulebook) as follows:

8391 Juvenile Solo Free Dance TestTest expectations: The purpose of this test is to encourage beginning dancers to learn the fundamentals of free dance. General requirements outlined for the preliminary pattern dance test apply equally to the juvenile solo free dance test. The program presented must conform to the rules for solo free dance. The program should display fairly good edges and some evidence of good form. A juvenile solo free dance must include the following required ele-ments (see rule 8373 for the definitions and descriptions of elements): Edge Element: One short edge element, but no more (not to exceed six seven seconds). Choreographic Solo Dance Spin: One choreographic solo dance spin, but no more. Choreographic Solo dance

combination spin not permitted. Step Sequence: One step sequence from the following list: circular, midline or diagonal. The step sequence must

fully utilize the ice surface. It should include a variety of steps and turns and must include three-turns and mo-hawks. Jumps of more than one-half rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern retrogressions and loops must not be included.

Twizzle: One twizzle (not a series). Minimum one revolution. Choreographic Dance Stop: One choreographic dance stop. The stop must come at least 10 seconds after the start

of the program and at least 10 seconds before the end of the program. Two different elements may be reskated, if necessary (see rule 8388).

Duration: 1:40 +/- 10 seconds to music of the skater’s choice Pass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points Distinction total: 7 to 9 points Judging panel required (standard, adult 21+ and adult 50+): Three bronze or higher rank dance test judges; or one silver or higher rank dance test judge.

8392 Intermediate Solo Free Dance TestTest expectations: General requirements outlined for the bronze pattern dance test apply equally to the intermediate solo free dance test. The program presented must conform to the rules for solo free dance. The program should dis-play moderately good edges and moderately good form. An intermediate solo free dance program must include the following required elements (see rule 8373 for the definitions and descriptions of elements): Edge Element: One short edge element, but no more (not to exceed six seven seconds).Solo Dance Spin: One choreographic solo dance spin, but no more. Choreographic Solo dance combination spin

not permitted. Step Sequence: One step sequence from the following list: circular, midline or diagonal. The step sequence must

fully utilize the ice surface. It should include a variety of steps and turns and must include three-turns, mohawks and brackets. Jumps of more than one-half rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern retrogressions and loops must not be included.

Twizzle Series: One twizzle series. Minimum one revolution on each foot. No more than three steps between twiz-zles.

Choreographic Character Step Sequence: One choreographic character step sequence performed at any point in the program. Must be placed around the short axis and proceed from barrier to barrier. Must commence with a full stop at one barrier or the other.

Choreographic Dance Stop: One choreographic dance stop. The stop must come at least 10 seconds after the start of the program and at least 10 seconds before the end of the program.

Two different elements may be reskated, if necessary (see rule 8388). Duration: 1:50 +/- 10 seconds to music of the skater’s choicePass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points


Distinction total: 7 to 9 points Judging panel required (standard, adult 21+ and adult 50+): Three bronze or higher rank dance test judges; or one silver or higher rank dance test judge.

8393 Novice Solo Free Dance TestTest expectations: General requirements outlined for the pre-silver pattern dance test apply equally to the novice solo free dance test. The program presented must conform to the rules for solo free dance. While technically a basic program demonstrating fundamental dance moves, it should have good edges and flow, good timing, some expres-sion and display good form. A refined presentation is not expected but can be rewarded and reflected in the judges’ program mark. A novice solo free dance program must include the following required elements (see rule 8373 for the definitions and descriptions of elements): Edge Elements: Two short edge elements but no more (not to exceed six seven seconds each). Edge elements should

have different positions. Choreographic Solo Dance Spin: One choreographic solo dance spin, but no more, selected from choreographic

solo dance spin or choreographic solo dance combination spin. Step Sequence: One step sequence from the following list: circular, midline or diagonal. The step sequence must

fully utilize the ice surface. It should include a variety of steps and turns and must include three-turns, mohawks, brackets and counters. Jumps of more than one-half rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern retrogressions and loops must not be included.

Twizzle Series: One twizzle series. Minimum of two revolutions on each foot. No more than three steps between twizzles.



Two different elements may be reskated, if necessary (see rule 8388). Duration: 2:00 +/- 10 seconds to music of the skater’s choicePass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points Distinction total: 7 to 9 points Judging panel required (standard, adult 21+ and adult 50+): Three bronze or higher rank dance test judges.

8394 Junior Solo Free Dance TestTest expectations: General requirements outlined for the silver pattern dance test apply equally to the junior solo free dance test. The program presented must conform to the rules set forth for solo free dance. It must be moderately dif-ficult, contain a good variety of movements, and be well composed and well placed on the ice surface. A junior solo free dance program must include the following required elements (see rule 8373 for the definitions and descriptions of elements): Edge Elements: Two Options:

1. One combination edge element (not to exceed 12 seconds), and or one2. Two different short edge elements (not to exceed six seven seconds each). No more than one combination edge element and one short edge element are permitted.Edge elements must have different positions, but positions within the combination edge element may be repeat-ed.

Choreographic Solo Dance Spin: One choreographic solo dance spin, but no more, selected from choreographic solo dance spin or choreographic solo dance combination spin.

Step Sequences: One step sequence from the following list: serpentine, circular, midline or diagonal. Two different types of step sequences, one selected from Group A and one selected from Group B: 1. Group A: Straight Line Step Sequences: Midline or Diagonal 2. Group B: Curved Step Sequences (counterclockwise or clockwise): Circular or Serpentine Each The step sequence must fully utilize the ice surface,. It should include a variety of steps and turns and must include brackets, counters, rockers and choctaws. Jumps of more than one-half rotation, stops, dance spins, pir-ouettes, pattern retrogressions and loops must not be included in either step sequence.

Twizzle Series: Two different twizzle series but no more. One twizzle series must have a different entry edge and different direction of rotation for the two twizzles. For both series, a minimum of two revolutions is required on each twizzle. No more than three steps are allowed between twizzles.




Two different elements may be reskated, if necessary (see rule 8388). Duration: 2:20 +/- 10 seconds to music of the skater’s choicePass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points Distinction total: 7 to 9 points Judging panel required (standard, adult 21+ and adult 50+): Three silver or higher rank dance test judges.

8395 Senior Solo Free Dance TestTest expectations: General requirements outlined for the gold pattern dance test apply equally to the senior solo free dance test. The program presented must conform to the rules set forth for solo free dance. It must be difficult, varied and display originality. Choreography, expression and utilization of space must be excellent. A senior solo free dance test must include the following required elements (see rule 8373 for the definitions and descriptions of elements): Edge Elements: Two Options:

1. One combination edge element plus one short edge element, or2. Three different short edge elements (with different positions)

Combination edge element not to exceed 12 seconds, and short edge elements not to exceed seven seconds.One combination edge element (not to exceed 12 seconds) and two different short edge elements (not to exceed six seconds each). No more than one combination edge element and two short edge elements are permitted.Edge elements must have different positions, but positions within the combination edge element may be repeated. Choreographic Solo Dance Spin: One choreographic solo dance spin, but no more, selected from choreographic

solo dance spin or choreographic solo dance combination spin. Step Sequences: One step sequence from the following list: serpentine, circular, midline or diagonal. Two different

types of step sequences, one selected from Group A and one selected from Group B: 1. Group A: Straight Line Step Sequences: Midline or Diagonal 2. Group B: Curved Step Sequences (counterclockwise or clockwise): Cir-cular or Serpentine Each The step sequence must fully utilize the ice surface,. It should include a variety of steps and turns and must include brackets, counters, rockers, choctaws and twizzles. Jumps of more than one-half rota-tion, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern retrogressions and loops must not be included in either step sequence.

Twizzle Series: Two different twizzle series but no more. One twizzle series must have a different entry edge and different direction of rotation for the two twizzles. For both series, a minimum of two revolutions is required on each twizzle. No more than three steps are allowed between twizzles.



Two different elements may be reskated, if necessary (see rule 8388).Duration: 2:40 +/- 10 seconds to music of the skater’s choicePass total: 0 to 3 points Honors total: 4 to 6 points Distinction total: 7 to 9 points Judging panel required (standard, adult 21+ and adult 50+): Three gold dance test judges.



332. APPROVED – Dance CommitteeAmend rules 8701, 8721 and 8741 (pages 283-285, Rulebook) as follows:

8701 Elements for Adult Gold Solo Free Dance EventADULT GOLD SOLO FREE DANCE

2:40 +/- 10 secondsCompetition: Must contain the following elements in any order.

MUSIC Music must have an audible rhythmic beat with the exception of 10 seconds at the beginning of the program.

EDGE ELEMENTS

Two options:1. One combination edge element – each portion must be held in position for a minimum of three

seconds, but the total element must not exceed 12 seconds. AND Two and one short edge ele-ments held in position for a minimum of three seconds, but not to exceed six seven seconds. OR

2. Three different short edge elements with different positions.•No more than one combination and two short edge elements permitted. •Edge elements must have different positions.•Each lobe of a combination edge element must be held in position for a minimum of three sec-

onds, but a combination edge element may not exceed 12 seconds.•A short edge element must be held in position for a minimum of three seconds, but no more than

seven seconds.SPIN One choreographic solo dance spin or choreographic solo dance combination spin, but no more

•Minimum of three revolutions on one/each foot •May change feet•Flying spins are not permitted

STEP SEQUENCES

One step sequence from the following list; serpentine, circular, midline or diagonal. Two different step sequences, one selected from Group A and one selected from Group B.

Group A: Straight Line Step Sequences – midline or diagonal Group B: Curved Step Sequences (counterclockwise or clockwise) – circular or serpentine

•The step sequence must fully utilize the ice surface and should include a variety of steps and turns and must include brackets, counters, rockers, and choctaws and twizzles.

•Not permitted elements: Stops, pattern regressions retrogressions, loops, jumps of more than one-half rotation, dance spins and pirouettes.

TWIZZLE SERIES

Two different twizzle series, but no more. •Twizzle Series A: Must have a different entry edge and different direction for the two twizzles.

Minimum of two revolutions is required on each twizzle. No more than three steps are allowed between twizzles. Twizzles must be different than those used in Twizzle Series B.

•Twizzle Series B: Must have two twizzles. Minimum of two revolutions is required on each twizzle. No more than one step is allowed between twizzles. Twizzles must be different than those used in Twizzle Series A.

When judged with IJS: The first attempted set of twizzles will be evaluated as Series A by the technical panel.

CHOREO-GRAPHIC CHARACTER STEP

One choreographic character step sequence performed at any point in the program. •Must be placed around the short axis and proceed from barrier to barrier.•Must commence with a full stop at one barrier or the other.

DANCE STOPS One full stop to express the character of the music; must be at least three seconds but not exceed six seconds. The stop must come at least 10 seconds after the start of the program and at least 10 seconds before the end of the program.

REMARKS •A choreographic dance spin is on one foot only and may include any number of changes of position. A choreographic dance combination spin must have a change of foot and may contain any number of positions on either foot. This element should relate to the music and enhance the overall program. See rule 8373 for the definitions and descriptions of elements.


8721 Elements for Adult Silver Solo Free Dance EventADULT SILVER SOLO FREE DANCE

2:00 +/- 10 seconds Competition: Must contain the following elements in any order.

MUSIC •Music must have an audible rhythmic beat with the exception of 10 seconds at the beginning of the program.

•Music is strongly suggested to be in the same rhythms as the U.S. Figure Skating test structure. EDGE ELEMENTS

Two short edge elements, but no more, held in position for a minimum of three seconds, but not to exceed six seven seconds.•Edge elements should have different positions.

SPIN One choreographic solo dance spin or choreographic solo dance combination spin, but no more • Minimum of three revolutions on one/each foot • May change feet• Flying spins are not permitted

STEP SEQUENCES

One step sequence from the following list: circular, midline or diagonal.•The step sequence must fully utilize the ice surface and should include a variety of steps and

turns and must include three-turns, mohawks, brackets and counters. •Not permitted elements: Stops, pattern regressions retrogressions, loops, jumps of more than

one-half rotation, dance spins and pirouettes. TWIZZLE SERIES

One twizzle series.•Minimum two revolutions on each twizzle.•No more than three steps between twizzles.

CHOREO-GRAPHIC CHARACTER STEP

One choreographic character step sequence performed at any point in the program.•Must be placed around the short axis and proceed from barrier to barrier.•Must commence with a full stop at one barrier or the other.


REMARKS •A choreographic dance spin is on one foot only and may include any number of changes of position. A choreographic dance combination spin must have a change of foot and may contain any number of positions on either foot. This element should relate to the music and enhance the overall program. See rule 8373 for the definitions and descriptions of elements.

8741 Elements for Adult Bronze Solo Free Dance EventADULT BRONZE SOLO FREE DANCE

1:40 +/- 10 secondsCompetition: Must contain the following elements in any order.

MUSIC •Music must have an audible rhythmic beat with the exception of 10 seconds at the beginning of the program.

•Music is strongly suggested to be in the same rhythms as the U.S. Figure Skating test structure. EDGE ELEMENTS

One short edge element, but no more. The edge must be held in position for a minimum of three seconds, but cannot exceed six seven seconds.

SPIN One choreographic solo dance spin, but no more •Minimum of three revolutions on one foot •Spin combinations and flying spins are not permitted

STEP SEQUENCES

One step sequence from the following list: circular, midline or diagonal.•The step sequence must fully utilize the ice surface and should include a variety of steps and

turns and must include three-turns and mohawks.•Not permitted elements: Stops, pattern regressions retrogressions, loops, jumps of more than

one-half rotation, dance spins and pirouettes.TWIZZLE SERIES

One twizzle•Only one twizzle on one foot is required.•Minimum one revolution.


REMARKS •A choreographic dance spin is on one foot only and may include any number of changes of po-sition. This element should relate to the music and enhance the overall program. See rule 8373 for the definitions and descriptions of elements.



333. APPROVED AS AMENDED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8258 (page 260, Rulebook) to add the new Tea-Time Foxtrot to the International Pattern Dance Test: Part-nered.

8258 International Pattern Dance Test: Partnered (All Candidates) DANCES: Austrian Waltz, Cha Cha Congelado, Finnstep, Golden Waltz, Midnight Blues, Ravensburger Waltz, Rhumba, Silver Samba, Tango Romantica, Tea-Time Foxtrot, Yankee Polka


Proviso: Skaters may begin testing the Tea-Time Foxtrot as an individual pattern dance on July 1, 2019, but it will not become a required pattern dance to complete the international pattern dance test (partnered or solo) until July 1, 2020.

334. APPROVED AS AMENDED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8259 (page 260, Rulebook) to add the new Tea-Time Foxtrot to the International Pattern Dance Test: Solo.

8259 International Pattern Dance Test: Solo (All Candidates)DANCES: Cha Cha Congelado, Rhumba, Silver Samba, Tango Romantica, Tea-Time Foxtrot, Yankee Polka


Proviso: Skaters may begin testing the Tea-Time Foxtrot as an individual pattern dance on July 1, 2019, but it will not become a required pattern dance to complete the international pattern dance test (partnered or solo) until July 1, 2020.

335. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 8224 and add new rules 8238 and 8239 (pages 257 and 258, Rulebook) as follows:

8224 All international partnered pattern dance tests may be taken and judged as a couple or as a single test candidate. If the test is taken as a couple, both candidates must be paid and registered candidates for the test. See rules 8238 and 8239.

8238 For all preliminary through gold partnered pattern dance tests, and international partnered pattern dance tests taken as a single test candidate, the candidate(s) will be judged individually, even when both members of the couple are candidates. A partner in such tests who has previously received a “pass”, “pass with honors” or “pass with distinc-tion” will not be affected if a subsequent attempt of the same test with a different partner is marked with a different result.

8239 For international partnered pattern dance tests taken as a couple, the candidate will be judged and will “pass”, “pass with honors”, “pass with distinction” or be marked “retry” as a couple.


336. APPROVED – Dance Committee and Dance Development SubcommitteeAmend the test requirement exceptions for junior, novice, intermediate, juvenile and pre-juvenile partnered dance events in competitions (rules 8420, 8430, 8440, 8450 and 8460, pages 272-277, Rulebook) as follows:

8420 Junior Dance A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the junior moves in the field test or higher, at least two standard partnered pre-gold dances and the junior part-nered free dance test (see note). Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the senior free dance test and still remain eligible to compete at the junior dance level, provided that neither skater has competed at the senior dance level in a qualifying competition. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the junior dance level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the senior free dance test was passed.

8430 Novice Dance A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the novice moves in the field test or higher, at least one dance of the standard partnered silver dance test and the novice partnered free dance test (see note). Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the junior free dance test and still remain eligible to compete at the novice dance level, provided that neither skater has competed at the junior dance level


in a qualifying competition. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the novice dance level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the junior free dance test was passed.

8440 Intermediate Dance A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the intermediate moves in the field test or higher, the standard partnered bronze dance test or higher, and the intermediate partnered free dance test (see note). Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the novice free dance test and still remain eligible to compete at the intermediate dance level, provided that neither skater has competed at the novice dance level in a qualifying competition. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the intermediate dance level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the novice free dance test was passed.

8450 Juvenile Dance A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the juvenile moves in the field test or higher, the standard partnered preliminary dance test or higher and the juvenile partnered free dance test (see note). Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the intermediate free dance test and still remain eligible to compete at the juvenile dance level, provided that neither skater has competed at the interme-diate dance level in a qualifying competition. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the juvenile dance level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the intermediate free dance test was passed.

8460 Pre-Juvenile Dance Note: Pre-juvenile dance is considered a nonqualifying event and is held at regional championships only at the dis-cretion of the local organizing committee. Please refer to rule 3014. A. Test qualifications as of the closing date for entry to the regional championships: Both partners must have passed

the preliminary moves in the field test or higher and two standard partnered preliminary dances or higher. Note: It is permissible for one or both of the partners to have passed the juvenile free dance test and still remain eligible to compete at the pre-juvenile dance level, provided that neither skater has competed at the juvenile dance level in a qualifying competition. Further, if a skater chooses to compete at the pre-juvenile dance level, the skater must do so with a partner other than the one with whom the juvenile free dance test was passed.


337. APPROVED – Judges CommitteeAmend rule JR 18.11 (page 76, Rulebook) as follows:

JR 18.10 Trial and Practice Judging Applications JR 18.11 Applications to trial or practice judge will be submitted in writing by the applicant not later than Sept. 1 for qual-

ifying competitions and Skate America, Oct. 1 for qualifying synchronized skating competitions, April 15 for National Theatre On Ice and not later than 15 30 days prior to the start of the competition for other approved nonqualifying com-petitions. Late requests may be considered at the discretion of the appropriate vice chair. Requests to trial or practice judge must be limited to events required for promotion, appointment or to supplement judging activity.


338. APPROVED – Pairs Committee and Pairs Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 7431 (page 225, Rulebook) to remove the solo spin from the Novice Pairs Free Skate and require the solo spin in the Novice Pairs SP every year. This also affects the test rules for Novice Pairs.

7431 Elements for the Novice Pairs Short Program 2019-20 NOVICE PAIRS SHORT PROGRAM (2019-20)*

2:50 maximum timeMust contain the following seven elements in any order

SOLO SPIN (Will no longer alternate be-tween solo spin and pair spin)

One solo spin or solo spin combination• Optional change of foot• Optional change of position• Minimum of five revolutions by both partners • May be commenced with a jump


NOVICE PAIRS WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE & PAIR TEST 3:30 +/- 10 seconds

PROGRAM Competition: Must contain the following ele-ments in any order


SOLO SPIN Maximum of one• Can be solo spin or solo spin combination• May begin with a flying entry• Change of foot and change of position are

optional• Minimum of five revolutions by both partners • Both partners must achieve a basic position

for at least two revolutions

One solo spin or solo spin combination• May begin with a flying entry• Change of foot and change of position are optional

• Minimum of five revolutions by both partners • Both partners must achieve a basic position for at

least two revolutions

PAIR SPIN Maximum of one• Can be pair spin or pair spin combination• If pair spin combination, both partners must

change feet and position at least once • Minimum of five revolutions total

One pair spin or pair spin combination• If pair spin combination, both partners must change

feet and position at least once • Minimum of five revolutions total


339. APPROVED – Pairs Committee and Pairs Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 1071 (D) (page 117, Rulebook) to add a bonus for triple jumps to the junior pairs free skate:

1071 IJS Basic Principles of Calculation – All Skating DisciplinesD. Singles and Pairs Bonus

4. Junior Pairs Free Skate: +1.0 bonus for each triple jump achieved (under-rotated or full value) by both part-ners.

45. Novice Pairs Short Program and Free Skate: +1.0 bonus for each double Axel and each triple jump achieved (under-rotated or full value) by both partners.

56. Intermediate Pairs Free Skate and Juvenile Pairs Free Skate: +1.0 bonus for each double Axel achieved (un-der-rotated or full value) by both partners.


340. APPROVED AS AMENDED – Singles Committee and Singles Development SubcommitteeAmend Rule 6452 (page 194, Rulebook) as follows:

6452 Elements for the Juvenile/Open Juvenile Boys and Girls Free Skate and Free Skate TestJUVENILE/OPEN JUVENILE BOYS & GIRLS WELL-BALANCED FREE SKATE & FREE SKATE TEST

2:2030 +/- 10 seconds

Implementation date: Dec. 1, 2019

341. REFERRED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL COMMITTEES – Singles Committee and Singles Development Subcommittee

Amend rule 6033 (page 175, Rulebook) as follows:

6030 Clothing and Equipment – Singles6033 Men must wear full-length trousers. Ladies may wear skirts, trousers and tights (including unitards and shorts).



342. APPROVED – Singles Committee and Singles Development SubcommitteeAmend rule 1071 (D) (pages 116-117, Rulebook):

1071 IJS Basic Principles of Calculation – All Skating DisciplinesD. Singles Bonus

Singles skaters can earn bonus points for jumps that are achieved in a short program or free skate. To be eligible for bonus points, jumps must be full value or under-rotated (<) and must be compliant with short or well-balanced program and repeat rules. Unless otherwise specified in this rule, jumps can be performed as a solo jump, or in combination or sequence. Jumps that are downgraded (<<) or have a wrong edge assigned (e) are not eligible for any bonus points. Jumps with an edge attention (!) are eligible for a bonus. 1. Junior Singles Short Program and Free Skate:

a. +1.0 bonus for each triple Axel achieved;b. +2.0 bonus for each quadruple jump achieved.

2. Novice Singles Short Program and Free Skate: a. +3.0 bonus for each two-jump combination where both jumps are triple jumps, or a three-jump combination

where two triple jumps are executed in succession;b. +3.0 bonus for each triple Axel achieved;c. +2.0 bonus for any triple jump that immediately follows a double jump (including double Axel) in a jump

combination;d. +1.0 bonus for each different triple jump achieved that doesn’t meet the criteria in paragraphs a, b or c

above. The following jumps are eligible for this +1.0 bonus:i. Ladies: toe loop, Salchow, loop, flip, Lutz;ii. Men: loop, flip, Lutz;

e. +2.0 additional bonus for a skater who achieves four or more different triple jumps.3. Intermediate Singles Short Program and Free Skate:

a. +1.0 bonus for one double Axel achieved; b. +3.0 bonus for each two-jump combination where both jumps are triple jumps or a three-jump combination

where two triple jumps are executed in succession;c. +2.0 bonus for any triple jump that immediately follows a double jump (including double Axel) in a jump

combination;d. +1.0 bonus for each triple jump achieved that doesn’t meet the criteria in paragraphs b or c above.

4. Juvenile Singles Free Skate: a. +1.0 bonus for each double Axel achieved;b. +1.0 bonus for one triple jump achieved;

E. Pairs BonusPairs subparagraphs 5 and 6 will be re-numbered accordingly


343. APPROVED – Synchronized Skating CommitteeAmend rule 9912 (page 317, Rulebook) to remove the added/repeated element deduction from the 6.0 system.

9912 Marking of the Synchronized Skating Free Skate – 6.0 SystemI. Deductions in the mark for technical elements:

General Deduction Omission 0.6 Maximum deduction/required element 0.5 Added/repeated element 0.2 Break in execution of the element 0.1-0.2 Stumble during a required element 0.1-0.2 Not according to requirements 0.1-0.2 Falls Major (more than one skater for prolonged time) 0.4-0.5 Medium (either one skater for prolonged time or down and up for more than one skater) 0.3 Minor (one skater down and up) 0.2



344. APPROVED – Synchronized Skating CommitteeDelete rule 2950 (page 151, Rulebook):

2940 Practice Ice – Synchronized Skating2950 For teams competing under the IJS, at one of the official practices, the team is obliged to skate the whole (entire)

competition program (short program and free skate respectively) either in one entire run-through or two halves (the whole half of the program at once followed by the other half of the program at once).


345. APPROVED – Synchronized Skating CommitteeAmend rule 9411 (page 301, Rulebook) to remove redundant information from the “STANDARDS” section and refer to the source information.

9411 Elements for Senior Synchronized Short Program STANDARDS • All elements must meet general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule 9150). Levels

of difficulty, calling specifications, scale of values and judging criteria can be found at usfigureskating.org. Fur-thermore, elements will not be considered as attempted unless the element meets the minimum requirements for Level Base.

• Creative innovations and variations are not features and are permitted in the transitions and required elements. • Creative innovations will be reflected in the program components. • The team must predominantly act as one unit. Division of the team into several units is allowed during the cre-

ative element and transitions. Additionally several units can be used as short transitions if the element following the transition so requires (i.e. preparation for an intersection or beginning of a creative element).

• For creativity in linear elements (block and line) and in rotating elements (circle and wheel), skaters (a maximum of half the team) may leave and rejoin an element as long as the minimum number of required skaters in the element is maintained.

• Features and additional features will be counted only once per element. • All skaters must be joined/aligned to a spoke, line, circle, etc., during features for these to be counted. • Some features may be executed at the same time as other features. Please see each element (rule 9150) for the

cases where this is not permitted. • Mirror image pattern is permitted in elements and transitions. • Step sequences of a complex variety may be used both in the elements and during transitions. • Turns and linking steps may be used during elements. • Syncopated choreography may be used (other than in the step sequence additional feature or features where

correctly executed turns/edges are required to determine the level of difficulty). • The choreography and elements should be executed facing toward all sides of the rink..• Programs not fulfilling the requirements above will be penalized. • Un-prescribed or additional elements or repetitions of elements that have failed are not allowed and will not be

marked. A deduction must be made if any such elements are included. Basic element shapes (Level Base) will not be considered as an un-prescribed or additional element(s).

• Transitions necessary to link the required elements are permitted. • Some features and additional features will be prescribed for each element. Features and additional features oth-

er than those required for each element may not be taken into consideration when determining the level of an element. Features and/or additional features that are not permitted will receive a deduction of not according to requirements if included. This deduction will be taken from the element score.

• Features or additional features will be considered as omitted if not attempted. • Elements executed using the wrong shape will receive a penalty (see rule 9923). A wrong shape would include

examples such as a team executing a four-spoke instead of a required three-spoke, or an angled intersection in-stead of a box intersection.

• For illegal and non-permitted elements, see rules 9160 and 9170. • For deductions and reductions, see rule 9923.• Definitions of general terms, steps and turns, features and requirements and additional features/extra features can

be found in rules 9110-9140.




9412 Elements for Senior Synchronized Free SkateSTANDARDS• All elements must meet general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule 9150). Levels


• Creative innovations and variations are not features and are permitted in the transitions and required elements. Creative innovations will be reflected in the program components.

• The team must predominantly act as one unit. Division of the team into several units is allowed during the cre-ative element and transitions. Additionally several units can be used as short transitions if the element following the transition so requires (i.e. preparation for an intersection or beginning of a creative element).



cases where this is not permitted..• Mirror image pattern is permitted in elements and transitions. • Step sequences of a complex variety may be used both in the elements and during transitions. • Turns and linking steps may be used during elements. • Syncopated choreography may be used (other than in the step sequence additional feature or features where

correctly executed turns/edges are required to determine the level of difficulty). • The choreography and elements should be executed facing toward all sides of the rink. • Programs not fulfilling the requirements above will be penalized. • Other elements may be incorporated into the free skate and will be judged in transitions and/or choreography. • Features and additional features are optional in a well balanced free skate. In order to increase the difficulty of

the required elements in the free skate, features and additional features may be incorporated into the free skating elements and will be called by the technical panel and evaluated by the judges.

• Lifts may be used in the senior free skate. • Un-sustained lifts and vaults may be used. • For illegal and non-permitted elements, see rules 9160 and 9170. • For deductions and reductions, see rule 9923.• Definitions of general terms, steps and turns, features and requirements and additional features/extra features can




9421 Elements for Junior Synchronized Short ProgramSTANDARDS• All elements must meet general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule 9150). Levels


• Creative innovations and variations are not features and are permitted in the transitions and required elements. • Creative innovations will be reflected in the program components. • The team must predominantly act as one unit. Division of the team into several units is allowed during the cre-

ative element and transitions. Additionally several units can be used as short transitions if the element following the transition so requires (i.e. preparation for an intersection or beginning of a creative element). For creativity in linear elements (block and line) and in rotating elements (circle and wheel), skaters (a maximum of half the team) may leave and rejoin an element as long as the minimum number of required skaters in the element is maintained.

• Features and additional features will be counted only once per element.


• All skaters must be joined/aligned to a spoke, line, circle, etc., during features for these to be counted. • Some features may be executed at the same time as other features. Please see each element (rule 9150) for the

cases where this is not permitted.• Mirror image pattern is permitted in elements and transitions. • Step sequences of a complex variety may be used both in the elements and during transitions. • Turns and linking steps may be used during elements. • Syncopated choreography may be used (other than in the step sequence additional feature or features where

correctly executed turns/edges are required to determine the level of difficulty). • The choreography and elements should be executed facing toward all sides of the rink. • Programs not fulfilling the requirements above will be penalized. • Un-prescribed or additional elements or repetitions of elements that have failed are not allowed and will not be

marked. A deduction must be made if any such elements are included. Basic element shapes (Level Base) will not be considered as an un-prescribed or additional element(s).

• Transitions necessary to link the required elements are permitted. • Some features and additional features will be prescribed for each element. Features and additional features oth-

er than those required for each element may not be taken into consideration when determining the level of an element. Features and/or additional features that are not permitted will receive a deduction of not according to requirements if included. This deduction will be taken from the element score.

• Features or additional features will be considered as omitted if not attempted. • Elements executed using the wrong shape will receive a penalty (see rule 9923). A wrong shape would include

examples such as a team executing a four-spoke instead of a required three-spoke, or an angled intersection in-stead of a box intersection.





9422 Elements for Junior Synchronized Free SkateSTANDARDS • All elements must meet general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule 9150). Levels










• Un-sustained lifts and vaults may be used in the junior free skate. • For illegal and non-permitted elements, see rules 9160 and 9170. • For deductions and reductions, see rule 9923.• Definitions of general terms, steps and turns, features and requirements and additional features/extra features can




9431 Elements for Novice Synchronized Free SkateSTANDARDS• All elements must meet general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule 9150). Levels













9441 Elements for Intermediate Synchronized Free SkateSTANDARDS• A minimum of three different clearly recognizable holds are required. These holds may be done in elements or

transitions and must be shown by the whole team for three seconds or more. • All elements must meet general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule 9150). Levels

of difficulty, calling specifications, scale of values and judging criteria can be found at usfigureskating.org. Fur-


thermore, elements will not be considered as attempted unless the element meets the minimum requirements for Level Base.

• All elements must meet general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule 9150). Further-more, elements will not be considered as attempted unless the element meets the minimum requirements for Level Base.












9451 Elements for Juvenile Synchronized Free SkateSTANDARDS • A minimum of three different clearly recognizable holds are required. These holds may be done in elements or







cases where this is not permitted. • Mirror image pattern is permitted in elements and transitions.


• Step sequences of a complex variety may be used both in the elements and during transitions. • Turns and linking steps may be used during elements. • Syncopated choreography may be used (other than in the step sequence additional feature or features where







9491 Elements for Collegiate Synchronized Free SkateSTANDARDS • All elements must meet general criteria and basic requirements in order to be counted (see rule 9150). Levels







correctly executed turns/edges are required to determine the level of difficulty). • The choreography and elements should be executed facing toward all sides of the rink. • Programs not fulfilling the requirements above will be penalized. • Other elements may be incorporated into the free skate and will be judged in transitions and/or choreography. • Features and additional features are optional in a well-balanced free skate. In order to increase the difficulty of


• Un-sustained lifts and vaults may be used in the collegiate free skate. • For illegal and non-permitted elements, see rules 9160 and 9170. • For deductions and reductions, see rule 9923.• Definitions of general terms, steps and turns, features and requirements and additional features/extra features can





9501 Elements for Adult Synchronized Free SkateSTANDARDS • A minimum of three different clearly recognizable holds are required. These holds may be done in elements or














9511 Elements for Masters Synchronized Free Skate STANDARDS• A minimum of two different clearly recognizable holds are required. These holds may be done in elements or





• For creativity in linear elements (block and line) and in rotating elements (circle and wheel), skaters (a maximum


of half the team) may leave and rejoin an element as long as the minimum number of required skaters in the element is maintained.



correctly executed turns/edges are required to determine the level of difficulty). • The choreography and elements should be executed facing toward all sides of the rink. • Programs not fulfilling the requirements above will be penalized. • Other elements may be incorporated into the free skate and will be judged in transitions and/or choreography. • Features and additional features are optional in a well-balanced free skate. In order to increase the difficulty of





355. APPROVED – Technical Panel CommitteeAmend rule TPCR 4.02 (page 99, Rulebook) to allow pairs competitors to test for singles appointments, and to clarify that to qualify through a judging appointment, the appointment must be current.

TPCR 4.02 Technical specialist and assistant technical specialist qualifications: A. National singles, pairs, dance and synchronized skating technical specialist must be an individual identified as pos-

sessing the qualifications listed in TPCR 4.02 (B), promoted in accordance with the procedures established by the Technical Panel Committee.

B. Sectional singles, pairs, dance and synchronized skating technical specialist must be either: 1. A former senior or junior competitor in the discipline in which they serve as a technical specialist at one of the

following competitions: a. The U.S. Figure Skating Championships (singles, pairs, dance);b. the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships (synchronized skating); c. An equivalent championship conducted by an ISU member.

2. The coach/coaches responsible for 50 percent or more of three such competitors’ training described in TPCR 4.02 (B)(1);

3. A current national-level competition judge in the discipline in which they serve; 4. An individual identified as possessing the qualifications listed in TPCR 4.02 (C), promoted in accordance with

the procedures established by the Technical Panel Committee. C. Regional singles technical specialist must be either:

1. A former senior or junior competitor at a sectional championship in the discipline in which they serve; 2. The coach/coaches responsible for 50 percent or more of three such competitors’ training described in TPCR

4.02 (C)(1); 3. A current sectional-level or higher competition judge in the discipline in which they serve; 4. An individual identified as possessing the qualifications listed in TPCR 4.02 (D), promoted in accordance with

the procedures established by the Technical Panel Committee. D. Nonqualifying singles, pairs, dance and synchronized skating technical specialist must be either:

1. A former senior or junior competitor at a sectional championship in the discipline in which they serve or, for singles only, a former senior competitor at a regional championship in a singles event or a former senior or junior competitor at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in a pairs event;

2. The coach/coaches responsible for 50 percent or more of three such competitors’ training described in TPCR 4.02 (D)(1);

3. A current sectional-level or higher competition judge in the discipline in which they serve.



FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE/LEGAL GROUP

401. APPROVED – Ethics CommitteeAmend rule ECR 4.03 (page 54, Rulebook) as follows:

ECR 4.00 SafeSport ComplaintsECR 4.03 In the event the Complaint is not forwarded to the chair of a committee specified in rule ECR 4.02, the chair

of SafeSport and/or Ethics may prepare a Letter of Concern arising out of a violation of the SafeSport Policy. A Letter of Concern will identify the infraction and reference the policy or rule at issue. Such a letter and any response will be placed in the permanent file of the member and will not be subject to public review.


402. APPROVED – Ethics CommitteeAdd new rule ECR 5.00 (page 55, Rulebook) as follows:

ECR 5.00 Retaliatory ConductECR 5.01 As to any matter under review for a SafeSport or ethics violation, retaliatory conduct is prohibited. Any member

engaging in such conduct will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Article XXV, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws.


403. APPROVED – Rules Committee and Nominating CommitteeAmend the Nominating Committee Rules (pages 85-86, Rulebook) as follows:

NominatingNCR 1.00 AuthorityNCR 1.01 A Nominating Committee is established each year pursuant to Article XV, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure

Skating bylaws.NCR 32.00 Elections OrganizationNCR 2.01 The Nominating Committee will consist of the members specified in Article XV, Section 1, of the U.S. Figure

Skating bylaws.NCR 3.01 2.02 To be eligible for election to the Nominating Committee as one of the nine members referred to in

Article XV, Section 1 (A), of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws, a member must submit their name to the U.S. Figure Skating secretary on the election form provided by U.S. Figure Skating headquarters no later than April 1 along with the following:A. A biography;B. A statement of qualification to serve, including residence and home club membership. In the case of an individual

member, evidence of residency may be required.As soon as possible following the April 1 deadline, the names along with resumes and statements of qualification of candidates for election to the Nominating Committee will be published on the Nominating Committee page of the U.S. Figure Skating website.

NCR 3.02 2.03 The election for Nominating Committee members referred to in Article XV, Section 1 (A), of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws will be held by secret, written ballot at each respective sectional caucus convened per Article IX, Section C, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws. The candidate for each Nominating Committee position to be elected will be elected by majority of the votes cast by the delegates voting in the candidates’ respective sectional caucus. The vote for each region’s committee member will be taken separately and announced after all elections are complete.A. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast by the delegates voting in the sectional caucus, then a runoff

election will be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes cast. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes cast in the runoff election is elected.

B. For the purpose of counting votes, blank ballots or ballots cast for a person who is not a candidate for election will not be included in the total ballots cast to determine a majority.

NCR 23.00 ResponsibilityNCR 23.01 The Nominating Committee is charged with the responsibility responsible for recommending suitably

qualified candidates for U.S. Figure Skating offices charged to it under Article XV, Section 2, of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws, in accordance with the procedures outlined in rule section NCR 4.00, including the processing of any additional nominations as described therein.


NCR 4.00 ProceduresNCR 4.01 The Nominating Committee will organize soon after the conclusion of the annual meeting of the U.S. Figure

Skating Governing Council and will elect its chair no later than July 1. The most recent eligible past chair not currently sitting on the Nominating Committee will convene the committee for the purpose of voting to elect the incoming chair. If a tie should occur when electing the new chair of the committee, then the most recent eligible past chair not currently sitting on the Nominating Committee will break the tie.

NCR 4.02 At least two meetings will be held prior to the next annual meeting of the Governing Council. Additional meetings will be held as necessary as determined by the committee. When practical, in-person meetings are preferable to telephone conferences. A meeting may be called by the chair, or by any five members, with suitable notice. All committee deliberations must be kept strictly confidential, and each Nominating Committee member must sign, annually, a confidentiality agreement.

NCR 4.03 The presence of eight members, including the chair or their designated representative, is necessary for the conduct of business. A member present by telephone at a duly called meeting may be considered present for determination of a quorum. Such member may vote upon issues if present for the entire discussion of such issues.

NCR 4.04 The chair shall will be responsible for the minutes, records and continuing inventories of qualified candidates and position requirements.

NCR 4.05 All committee deliberations must be kept strictly confidential, and each Nominating Committee member must sign, annually, a confidentiality agreement. (Moved from end of rule NCR 4.02.)

NCR 4.056 Annually, the committee will:Subparagraphs A-I are unchanged.

J. If any nominated candidate(s) for the Board of Director or officer positions pursuant to Article XV, Section 4 (A), of the U.S. Figure Skating bylaws withdraws or becomes ineligible for the position between the publication of the nominations and the start of the election at Governing Council, reconvene as soon as possible to select another nominee.

NCR 4.07 No individual may occupy two Board of Director or officer positions on the slate for the Board of Directors or officers in a single year, whether nominated by the Nominating Committee or pursuant to rule NCR 4.06 (G). If an individual is nominated for a Board of Director or officer position by the Nominating Committee they must withdraw from that nomination before they can be nominated for another Board of Directors or officer position pursuant to rule NCR 4.06 (G). If the person does withdraw from their original nomination, the Nominating Committee will reconvene as soon as possible to select another nominee per rule NCR 4.06 (J).


NEW BUSINESS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNING COUNCIL

There was no new business.

OTHER BUSINESS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNING COUNCIL

601. APPROVED ratification and confirmation of all actions taken by the Board of Directors during the past year except those actions that were rescinded, referred or amended by the Governing Council.

602. ADOPTED the budget as amended for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.

603. ELECTED the following members of the Board of Directors:Eastern and First Vice President Heather NemierMidwestern and Second Vice President Kristin Arneson CutlerPacific Coast and Third Vice President Janis EngelSecretary Gretchen BonnieTreasurer Troy GoldsteinAthlete Services Group Coordinator Lynn GoldmanMembership Development Group Coordinator Alan WolfTechnical and Officials Group Coordinator Richard PerezAdministrative/Legal Group Coordinator Karen Terry PerreaultCoaching Member Christine Fowler-BinderCoaching Member Bobby Martin

President Anne Cammett is entering the second year of the president’s two-year term.


604. ANNOUNCED the athlete members of the Board of Directors as elected by the athletes:Colin McManus (ice dance)*Mark Ladwig (pairs)Douglas Razzano (singles)Jenna Longo (synchronized skating)*Non-voting member of the Board of Directors

605. ANNOUNCED Mark Ladwig as the chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee as elected by the athletes.

606. The president ACCEPTED the recommendations of the Nominating Committee for the following committee chairs:Adult Skating Aviva CantorCoaches Phillip DiGuglielmoCompetitions Kathleen KriegerDance Development and Technical Elyse MatsumotoDomestic Officials Recruitment and Management Todd BromleyDomestic Selections Wendy EnzmannEthics Steve WolkinGrievance Cynthia YorkInternational Samuel AuxierInternational Officials Peggy GrahamMembership Patrick O’NeilMemorial Fund Kitty DeLio LaForteOfficials Training Whitney LukePairs Development and Technical Danielle Hartsell MinnisPrograms and New Program Development John ColeRules Lisa ErleSafeSport Patricia St. PeterSingles Development and Technical Stefanie MathewsonSports Sciences and Medicine Kristin Abbott Synchronized Development and Technical Lauren O’TooleTests Lori Osborne

607. The president ANNOUNCED the appointment of Bob Horen as the ISU Representative.

608. ANNOUNCED the Nominating Committee for 2019-20:Elected by the 2019 delegates from each section to serve a two-year term (this is year one):Carol Nugent (SA) Lainie DeMore (EGL) Kevin Rosenstein (CP)

Elected by the 2018 delegates from each section to serve a two-year term (this is year two):Elliot Schwartz (NE) Lynn Bell (SW) Melissa Kent (NWP)Matthew O’Toole (NA) Richard Kern (UGL) Lexi Rohner (SWP)

Elected by the athletes to serve a one-year term:Anastasia Cannuscio (E) Alexander Johnson (M) Jonathan Cassar (P)

609. ANNOUNCED that the 2020 Governing Council will be held at the Rio in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 29-May 2, 2020.

U.S. Figure Skating 2018-19 COMBINED REPORT OF ACTION ...€¦ · 3. ELECTED Patricia St. Peter as...

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